Red Sea Global holds classic sailing race to honor rich heritage of red sea

 

Red Sea Global holds classic sailing race to honor rich heritage of red sea 

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, recently wrapped up the inaugural Red Sea Classic Sailing Race. Held over two days at Turtle Bay Village, the event brought together local residents and visitors to celebrate traditional sailboat racing and honor the rich maritime heritage of the Red Sea region. The race featured 11 meticulously restored traditional sailboats, a project made possible through collaboration with various partners.

The restoration efforts were conducted in partnership with the National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP), and JOTUN. RSG also joined forces with Tamkeen, a local NGO, to transfer sailboat construction skills from experienced artisans to the youth, aiming to preserve these vital techniques within the community.

 

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Classic Sailing Race Celebrates Maritime Heritage

Engineer Ahmad Darwish, RSG's Chief Administrative Officer, noted that the initiative was inspired by local fisherman Sheik Ameen Sanosi, whose passion for traditional sailboats drove the commitment to restore these vessels. "The heartfelt words of Sheik Ameen Sanosi ignited our dedication to bringing these special boats back to life," Darwish stated. The event celebrated not only the maritime heritage of Saudi Arabia but also the spirit of adventure and competition.

The sailing race featured thrilling competitions among local sailors, all vying for significant cash prizes. Musad Sami al-Kabidi took first place with his Mabrouka Sailing Ship, winning SAR50,000. Ibrahim Abu Bakr's Uwaidan Sailing Ship came in second, earning SAR30,000, while Eid Sunusi Abu Bakr finished third with his Sahala Sailing Ship, receiving SAR20,000. All other participants were awarded SAR5,000 each.

 

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Onshore, spectators enjoyed a vibrant bazaar showcasing local arts and crafts, along with cultural performances that celebrated regional heritage. "At Red Sea Global, our commitment to social development is demonstrated through impactful initiatives that honor local heritage and foster community engagement," RSG stated in their release.

One highlight is Amerah Souq, a pilot project designed to give farmers, craftsmen, and artists a platform to showcase their products, complemented by cultural performances and workshops. Another initiative, the Tamala Farmers Cooperative, collaborates with approximately 3,000 local farms to establish a sustainable food supply chain that benefits local businesses.

Tourism Developments

The Red Sea welcomed its first guests last year, with three hotels now operational. Shebara and Desert Rock are set to open later this year, while Shura Island plans to welcome guests by 2025. The Red Sea International Airport began handling domestic flights in September 2023 and launched international flights to Dubai in April 2024, operating twice weekly.

 

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These developments underscore RSG's commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting tourism growth in Saudi Arabia. Through initiatives like the sailing race and Amerah Souq project, along with sustainable practices such as the Tamala Farmers Cooperative, RSG is advancing its mission to create regenerative tourism destinations.

Source: One Arabia