Hani T. Gharbawi, Founder of Nauti Marine Experiences, speaks with the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce about the company’s approach to marine hospitality in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Recognized by Luxury Lifestyle Awards as Best Luxury Marine Experience in Saudi Arabia, Nauti Marine Experiences offers fully serviced luxury pontoon trips with curated onboard amenities and an all-female crew.
WLCC: Congratulations on Nauti Marine Experiences being recognized as Best Luxury Marine Experience in Saudi Arabia. What does this recognition mean for the company at this stage of its development?
Hani T. Gharbawi: This recognition is an important milestone for Nauti, particularly at this early stage of our journey. It validates our belief that marine hospitality can be elevated beyond conventional boat rental through thoughtful service, distinctive experiences, privacy, and genuine attention to detail.
More importantly, it belongs to our team. Their dedication has helped us establish trust with our guests and create a standard of hospitality that reflects the warmth and ambition of Saudi Arabia. We see this recognition not as a destination, but as encouragement to continue evolving, innovating, and raising expectations for luxury marine experiences in the Kingdom.
WLCC: Nauti Marine Experiences was established recently, yet it has already defined a distinct position in Saudi Arabia’s marine hospitality sector. How would you describe the idea behind the brand?
HTG: Nauti was created from a belief that the Red Sea, one of Saudi Arabia’s greatest natural treasures—deserves marine experiences that reflect both its beauty and the quality of hospitality our guests expect.
We did not set out to establish another boat charter company. We wanted to create a hospitality brand in which the boat becomes the setting for memorable, fully serviced experiences. Every stage, from the initial booking to the guest’s return to shore, is designed to feel personal, effortless, and welcoming.
Our name comes from the Arabic word “نوتي,” meaning the navigator responsible for guiding a vessel. It reflects our philosophy perfectly: we do more than navigate boats; we guide our guests through experiences they will remember.
WLCC: Your company focuses on fully serviced marine experiences rather than standard boat rental. How do you approach the balance between privacy, comfort, and service?
HTG: For us, luxury is defined not only by the vessel or its amenities, but by how comfortable and cared for our guests feel throughout the journey.
Our experiences are privately booked, giving ladies and families the freedom to enjoy the sea in an environment designed around their comfort and preferences. At the same time, our crew remains attentive without being intrusive. They anticipate guests’ needs, provide support whenever required, and allow them the space to enjoy the experience at their own pace.
The objective is to make the day feel effortless. Guests should be able to arrive with very little to organize because the meals, refreshments, equipment, activities, and essential amenities have already been prepared for them.
WLCC: The all-female crew is an important part of the Nauti Marine Experiences model. How does this reflect your understanding of guest needs in the Saudi market?
HTG: Our all-female crew reflects a genuine understanding of the preferences of many women and families in Saudi Arabia. It creates an environment in which our guests can feel comfortable, relaxed, and free to enjoy the sea with privacy and confidence.
This model also creates meaningful opportunities for Saudi women in marine operations, tourism, and hospitality. Our female captains and crew members are trained professionals whose roles are central to the quality and safety of every experience.
It was never intended merely as a point of differentiation. It is an operational decision rooted in our guests’ needs and in our commitment to supporting the growing participation of women in the Kingdom’s tourism and maritime sectors.
WLCC: What standards guide your team in creating consistency across the guest journey, from booking to the time spent onboard?
HTG: Our standards are built around safety, reliability, hospitality, privacy, and environmental responsibility. We view the guest journey as one continuous experience, beginning with the first enquiry rather than when the boat departs.
Clear communication, accurate preparation, trained crew, well-maintained vessels, structured safety procedures, and consistent onboard service are all essential. Our team follows defined operating standards while retaining the flexibility to respond personally to each group’s needs.
We also listen carefully to guest feedback and use it to refine our services. Consistency does not mean making every trip identical; it means ensuring that every guest receives the same level of care, professionalism, and attention to detail.
WLCC: Your marine experiences include luxury pontoons, water toys, meals, and onboard amenities. How do you decide which elements belong in the guest experience?
HTG: Every element must contribute meaningfully to the experience. We consider whether it enhances comfort, enjoyment, convenience, safety, or the guest’s connection with the sea.
Our spacious pontoons provide a comfortable setting for relaxation and social occasions, while activities such as snorkeling, water scooters, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards allow guests to experience the Red Sea more actively. Meals, refreshments, sun-care products, and other amenities remove the practical burden of planning and help the day flow naturally.
We avoid adding features simply for novelty. Each element should support the character of the experience and meet the needs of the guests we serve. Ultimately, we want them to remember how the day made them feel, not merely the list of amenities provided.
WLCC: As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism and leisure sectors, how do you see marine experiences contributing to the country’s hospitality landscape?
HTG: Saudi Arabia has an extraordinary coastline and a rich maritime heritage, giving marine tourism an important role in the Kingdom’s evolving hospitality landscape.
Marine experiences allow residents and international visitors to discover the country from a different perspective, through its clear waters, coastal destinations, natural ecosystems, and authentic Saudi hospitality. They also create opportunities for new skills, careers, local businesses, and partnerships across tourism and maritime services.
Nauti contributes to this journey by creating premium experiences that encourage domestic tourism, empower women, celebrate the Red Sea, and operate with respect for the environment. This closely supports the ambitions of Vision 2030. Our aspiration is to help establish Saudi Arabia as an internationally recognized destination for distinctive and responsible marine hospitality.
Nauti Marine Experiences reflects a focused approach to marine hospitality in Saudi Arabia, combining service structure, privacy considerations, and a defined guest experience. The conversation with Hani T. Gharbawi offers perspective on how specialized operators can contribute to the development of luxury leisure experiences within the Kingdom’s evolving tourism environment.
Discover more about Nauti Marine Experiences: https://nauti.sa/.
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