Saudi Arabia reveals plans for new superyacht refit and repair facility
Sela and Icon Yachts sign an MOU
Icon Saudi is planned for Jeddah in partnership with Sela, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts. The project follows a memorandum of understanding signed with Sela at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026. It will bring expertise from European specialist companies and the wider marine sector to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has a growing yachting community but currently has no dedicated superyacht refit and maintenance facility. Most refit and conversion work for superyachts operating from the Saudi Red Sea coast is carried out in Europe. Icon Saudi is intended to provide these services in Jeddah, closer to the vessels operating in the region.
The facility will serve Jeddah’s superyacht clubs, including Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, as well as marine tourism developments along the Red Sea, including Amaala and Shura Island.
“The Red Sea has been at the heart of Arabian seafaring for centuries, and Jeddah has long been its gateway,” says Micca Ferrero, owner of Icon Yachts Group. “That passion for the sea, and today for yachting, is very much alive in the Kingdom. Icon Saudi is a historic step for Icon Yachts and for Dutch yachting. For several decades, our team in Harlingen has refitted and converted some of the most demanding yachts afloat. Together with Icon Saudi and Sela, we will bring that know-how to Jeddah, so that owners can enjoy world-class service right where they sail.”
Ali Alturki, founder and chairman of Icon Saudi, adds: “Saudi Arabia is fast becoming one of the most exciting yachting destinations in the world, and the Saudi fleet on the Red Sea coast deserves a home of its own. Together with Sela and Icon Yachts, we are bringing proven European expertise into the Kingdom and building the skills and jobs that will serve our marine sector for years to come.”
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