RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is taking more steps to develop and protect the Red Sea, which the Kingdom deems to be a big contributor to the growth of its tourism industry. 

The Saudi Cabinet approved on Tuesday the establishment of a new body to protect the coral reefs and sea turtles in the Red Sea, as well as organizational preparation work for a new authority in the area, according to the cabinet's weekly statement carried by Saudi Press Agency.

The new authority will be chaired by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, and it includes the ministers of sport and culture as well as CEOs of NEOM and The Red Sea Development Co.

The authority will be responsible for organizing recreational activities, tours of cruise ships and yachts and build mechanisms to protect the coastal environment. 

“The Red Sea’s natural environment is one of our greatest assets,” said Al-Khateeb. 

“This (authority) will support our ambitious plans for tourism development, generate new job opportunities for Saudi citizens, and help us to attract international and domestic tourists,” he wrote on his Twitter account.

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