The General Directorate of Border Guards announced that its coastal patrols in Haql Governorate, Tabuk Region, apprehended two residents, one of Indian nationality and the other of Filipino nationality, for violating the regulations governing safety and security for those engaged in maritime activities. The Border Guards explained that the violation consisted of fishing in the Kingdom's territorial waters without obtaining the necessary permit, and confirmed that the appropriate legal measures were taken against them in coordination with the relevant authorities.
General context and efforts to protect the marine environment
This operation comes as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty over its territorial waters and protect its natural resources. The “Regulations for Organizing Fishing, Investment, and Protection of Living Aquatic Resources in Territorial Waters,” along with its associated procedures, constitute the legal framework governing all maritime activities, including fishing, recreation, and diving, with the aim of ensuring their sustainability and safeguarding lives and property. The role of the Border Guard extends beyond protecting land and sea borders from infiltration and smuggling; it also encompasses marine environmental monitoring, preventing harmful practices such as overfishing and the use of prohibited fishing methods, and ensuring that all sea users comply with the issued regulations.
The strategic importance of the Tabuk region in Vision 2030
These measures are of paramount importance in the Tabuk region, whose Red Sea coastline is home to some of the largest strategic projects under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project. These projects rely heavily on the unique appeal of the region’s marine environment, including rare coral reefs and rich biodiversity. Therefore, the strict enforcement of environmental and security regulations is not merely a matter of law enforcement; it is a cornerstone for ensuring the success and sustainability of these projects and establishing the Kingdom as a leading global destination for luxury ecotourism. Any violations or unregulated activities pose a direct threat to these long-term investments and to the image the Kingdom seeks to cultivate as a leader in environmental conservation.
A call for commitment and social responsibility
In this context, the Border Guard reiterated its call to all citizens and residents engaged in maritime activities, whether amateur or professional, to adhere to regulations and instructions and obtain the necessary licenses before engaging in any activity. It also urged everyone to cooperate in protecting living aquatic resources and to immediately report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. Violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 994, 999, and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. All reports are guaranteed to be treated with the utmost confidentiality
