With its breath-taking underwater scenery, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is set to become a new hotspot for diving enthusiasts of all kinds. While SCUBA divers and snorkelers enjoy the vibrant coral reefs, another kind of diving is gaining momentum in the Kingdom: freediving.
Freediving, which relies on breath-holding, combines elements of endurance, breath control, and mental discipline. This sport includes various disciplines such as static apnea (holding breath while floating), dynamic apnea (distance swimming underwater on one breath), and constant weight diving (descending and ascending with fins or a sled without dropping weights).
The growth of freediving in Saudi Arabia
Freediving is an internationally recognised sport that has grown in popularity due to its competitive nature and the thrilling challenges it presents. Athletes from around the world compete in events that push the limits of human endurance, attracting increasing global attention.
Historically, freediving in Saudi Arabia was not widely recognised as a competitive sport. However, with the advent of Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil and diversifying its economy, there has been a significant push towards promoting sports and tourism, including aquatic sports such as freediving.
Saudi Arabia offers spectacular diving locations, particularly along the Red Sea coast, renowned for their vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Freediving has gained popularity in Saudi Arabia, and athletes like Elyas Almadani have been at the forefront of this growing sport.
Elyas Almadani
Elyas, Saudi Arabia’s freediving record holder, has made remarkable strides in a sport that demands both mental and physical endurance. With a background in architecture, Elyas has not only excelled in freediving but also paved the way for the sport’s growth in Saudi Arabia.
Growing up in Medina, far from the sea, Elyas’s initial interaction with water was limited to childhood breath-holding competitions with his siblings. It wasn’t until after the pandemic that he seriously pursued freediving. Elyas sought out a freediving centre in Jeddah and decided from the first day to take the sport professionally.
After earning his freediving licence, Elyas quickly transitioned to competitive freediving. His first competition in April 2021 resulted in a first-place finish, setting the stage for a series of competitive successes. Elyas’s commitment was clear from the beginning, as he prepared for competitions by undergoing intense training.
“From the first day, from the first course, I told my instructor, I’m here to take it professionally, and I would compete in a few years.”
Training and preparation
Training for freediving is rigorous and demands exceptional discipline. Elyas describes the training process as intensely challenging. A demanding schedule was necessary to build the strength and endurance required for the sport. Despite the challenges, Elyas has found joy and a sense of purpose in freediving, ultimately integrating it into his lifestyle:
“Sometimes I have to do two sessions, one in the morning before I go to work, and then I have to do another one after work before going home. I asked myself whether I am enjoying this? And my answer was, ‘I really wanted this to be my lifestyle’. As soon as you touch the water and you start diving, everything fades away.”
Achievements and milestones
His achievements include a first-place finish in his first static (holding breath while floating) and dynamic apnea (distance swimming underwater on one breath) competitions. In June 2022, Elyas took part in his first dynamic distance swimming underwater on one breath competition. Two months later, he joined the newly established Saudi Freediving National Team and competed in the World Championship for the first time. Elyas achieved a depth of 72 meters during the Kalamata Depth Contest, paralleling his work as an architect on a 72-story high-rise building under construction, aligning with his goal to reach 100 meters in the future.
“I joined the Saudi Freediving National Team in September 2022,” Elyas reminisces. “It was just established that year to compete. Saudi Arabia was the first time for us to compete in the freediving World Championship.”
Impact and influence
Elyas Almadani uses social media to raise awareness and drive interest in freediving. His achievements have had a significant impact on the sport of freediving in Saudi Arabia. By being one of the first members of the Saudi Freediving National Team, he has helped raise awareness and interest in the sport. Elyas has worked on building strategic partnerships to promote freediving and develop facilities, contributing to the sport’s growth both locally and internationally.
Promotion and sponsorship are a key part of a longer-term strategy for Elyas. In 2023, Asmou Real Estate Development Company signed a sponsorship contract with him, securing two roles: one as a freediver and one as an architect. On that side of the coin, Asmou specialises in vertical developments and enhances lifestyle by incorporating sports facilities within their communities. The sponsorship programme was established to support the younger generation and to spearhead the development of sports in Saudi Arabia.
Raising awareness for underwater ecosystems
Raising awareness about the delicate balance of underwater ecosystems is crucial. By emphasising the importance of protecting these habitats and empowering athletes and freedivers to take action, promotion of this sport can make a real difference. Experiencing vibrant corals while freediving is not just thrilling; it reminds us of our responsibility to preserve marine environments for the future. Our dedication to involving the community in promoting a healthy lifestyle through inclusive programmes is key to our marine conservation efforts.
Challenges and future directions
Despite the progress, there are still challenges to overcome. Regulatory restrictions, such as those imposed by the Coast Guard on diving depths, can limit training opportunities. Additionally, the need for more dedicated facilities and a focused freediving federation remains crucial for the sport’s development.
Looking ahead, there is immense potential for freediving in Saudi Arabia. With continued support from the government and private sector, along with the passion and dedication of pioneers like Elyas Almadani, the sport is poised for significant growth. Hosting international competitions and developing comprehensive training programmes can further establish Saudi Arabia as a prominent player in the global freediving community.
How Vision 2030 has influenced interest in freediving in KSA
Vision 2030 has played a significant role in transforming the sports landscape in Saudi Arabia. The initiative aims to increase public participation in sports and improve the country’s athletic infrastructure. The creation of new sports facilities, including those for water sports, has provided more opportunities for Saudis to engage in activities like freediving.
The development of coastal projects such as the Red Sea Project and NEOM has further highlighted the potential for freediving tourism in Saudi Arabia. These projects aim to attract international tourists by showcasing the pristine diving conditions along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline, which remains relatively untouched compared to other diving destinations.
It is evident that freediving is evolving in Saudi Arabia, and as more people discover the sport, the lure of Saudi Arabia’s waters will attract a growing number of enthusiasts from around the world, creating its place on the global freediving map.
The rise in popularity of freediving indeed presents another opportunity for Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast to become a highly sought destination for adventure and eco-tourism. With its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and pristine waters, the Red Sea offers an ideal environment for freedivers seeking new and exotic locations. This niche market of freediving enthusiasts, along with eco-tourists who prioritise sustainable and environmentally friendly travel, stands to benefit from and contribute to the region’s tourism sector.
To accommodate and attract freedivers, there will be a natural impetus to develop specialised facilities. Freediving training clubs, gear rental shops, and safety training centres will need to be established to cater to this specific market.
Environmental awareness and marine conservation efforts are also likely to receive a boost. The increased interest in the Red Sea’s underwater environment can drive initiatives aimed at preserving marine ecosystems. Tourists who witness the beauty of the Red Sea first-hand tend to become advocates for its protection. Collaborations with environmental organisations and universities can further educational programmes and research about the Red Sea’s biodiversity, fostering a culture of conservation among visitors and locals alike.
Moreover, the link between freediving and wellness tourism offers additional prospects. Freediving is often associated with mindfulness and holistic health practices, which can be complemented by spa and wellness retreats along the coast. The combination of adventure and relaxation is also likely to attract tourists interested in comprehensive wellness experiences.
