Royal Saudi Naval Forces

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces is a branch of the Saudi Armed Forces under the Ministry of Defense. It is responsible for defending the Kingdom's coasts and territorial waters and protecting its maritime interests. The first naval units were formed in 1957, and the current name was adopted by royal decree on 2 July 1973. Its vessels are divided between two fleets, the Eastern Fleet on the Arabian Gulf and the Western Fleet on the Red Sea, and its command is based in Riyadh. The Royal Saudi Naval Forces oversees the Saudi International Maritime Forum, an international platform for dialogue on maritime security whose first edition was held in Riyadh in 2019, the second in Jeddah in 2022 and the third in Dhahran in 2024. The fourth edition takes place in Riyadh in November 2026 and is delivered by Startime Events.