The Kingdom has officially licensed its first shark cage diving experience, and it’s all happening in the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia has been quietly levelling up its travel offering, and the latest addition is for thrill-seekers with a soft spot for the ocean. For the first time, you can legally and responsibly observe sharks up close in the Red Sea, thanks to a newly issued permit for shark cage diving in Saudi Arabia.
The landmark license has been issued by the National Centre for Wildlife (NCW) in collaboration with the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation, marking the country’s first official approval for shark cage diving. For now, the activity is authorised exclusively within Ras Hatiba Reserve, keeping the experience tightly controlled and focused on conservation-led tourism.
So, what does shark cage diving in Saudi Arabia actually involve? In simple terms, you enter the water inside a secure cage while sharks move freely in their natural habitat nearby. The point is not to provoke wildlife or disrupt the ecosystem, but to witness natural behaviour in a calm, regulated environment, with clear guidelines designed to protect marine life and maintain ecological balance.
Education is also central to the initiative. Sharks are often misunderstood, but they play a major role in keeping oceans healthy. By bringing people face to face with them, the programme aims to shift the narrative from fear to fascination, while ensuring only certified operators can run these experiences.
And while sharks are the headline act, Ras Hatiba Reserve’s wider marine world is part of the draw, too. Expect the sort of Red Sea scenery divers travel for, from vibrant reef life to the possibility of spotting other species that thrive in these waters.
For anyone who has previously flown to far-flung destinations for shark encounters, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a serious regional alternative. So if you’ve ever dreamed of coming face-to-face with sharks or living out your “twisted Jaws fantasy”, the Kingdom has officially made it possible. Details on timings and bookings are still to come.
GO: Visit www.redseaglobal.com for more information.