Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, who is also chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority (TGA), launched Monday at Jeddah Yacht Club the "Ebhar" Platform, a unified platform to streamline the entry, movement and sailing of touristic yachts across the Kingdom, enabling yacht owners and shipping agents to complete all related services. Senior officials of all concerned entities in the marine transport and yacht tourism sector attended the inauguration ceremony, organized by the TGA. Addressing the gathering, Al-Jasser said that the National Strategy of Transport and Logistics, launched several months ago by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman aims to support and enable pioneering national strategies, develop national tourism, and develop marine infrastructure in accordance with the objectives of the maritime sector strategy. One of the strategy's objectives is to create a profitable economy in such vital sector, enhance the role it plays to GDP, and invest in the unique geographical location of the Kingdom including its various marine destinations. The minister stated that the Kingdom is witnessing a significant expansion of coastal and maritime assets, including the development of exciting new destinations such as NEOM, Amaala, and Red Sea projects aimed to support economic diversification in line with the Kingdom Vision 2030, noting to the promising future of the boat and yacht market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.4% between 2022 and 2028. Al-Jasser, indicated that the digital platform "Ebhar" has turned to become a unified online portal concerned with all government procedures after having transitioned from dealing with seven government entities to only one entity that provides the services through one interconnected platform. The platform's procedures have been engineered to keep pace with international best practices for the purpose of streamlining the procedures related to entry and movement of yachts in Saudi territorial waters and according to advanced quality and logistical services. "Ebhar" is connected to more than 20 government entities, which will enable yacht owners to have direct and easy access to information, registration of services, presence in marinas, procedures related to the country's visits, entry and exit, issuance of navigational licenses, and registering yachts under the Saudi flag and sailing permits. This is in addition to many services, such as information and weather updates that enhance customers' experience with a view to attaining the objectives of the National Strategy of Transport and Logistics. — SPA
