Saudi Arabia has announced plans to convert an oil rig in the Arabian Gulf into a 150,000 square meter park and resort.
Park complex on a rig off the Arabian GulfFunded by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), The Rig complex will include 3 hotels and 11 restaurants spread over a connected platform of oil rigs, along with games. roller coasters and adventure activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving.
This will include hotels and amusement parksThe announcement from PIF said: “This project is a unique tourist destination, which is expected to attract tourists from all over the world.” Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund expects it to be especially popular with tourists from the Arabian Gulf region. The completion date for the destination has not yet been announced.
The project is inspired by the rig located on the ocean
Described as the world’s first tourist destination inspired by offshore oil rigs, the marine park project is launched in line with Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy with a vision to 2030- to reposition Saudi Arabia as a leading international tourist destination and diversify its economy.
The Rig project is a strategic part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote tourism
While millions of religious tourists make the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca each year, the country’s conservative policies and restrictions on women’s freedom have made Saudi Arabia a become a non-ideal destination for many international tourists.
But the country is determined to reposition itself as a compelling global tourist attraction that can rival neighboring regions such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman. Saudi Arabia aims to attract 100 million tourists a year by the end of 2030.
Earlier this year, plans for a second national airline and a $147 billion investment in transportation and logistics over nine years were approved by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The kingdom’s current national airline is Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines.
The underwater restaurant is depicted in the image of The Rig . project
News of The Rig project comes just months after plans for Six Flags Qiddiya – a theme park – were announced.
The site is under construction as part of a new city located outside the capital Riyadh, and will be home to the world’s fastest roller coaster when it launches in 2023.
