Initially, information that the Saudi authorities intended to build a resort in the form of an oil drilling platform in the Persian Gulf appeared back in 2021. Now the specifics have been published.
As reported by The National, The Rig (translated as “drilling rig”), which is intended to “celebrate the legacy of Saudi Arabia’s long oil and gas history,” will rise 40 km off the country’s east coast, near Al Juraid Island and the Berri oil field. The total area will be 30 hectares. The platform will have at least three hotels with 800 rooms (including underwater rooms) and 11 restaurants.
Tourists will be offered to visit a water park, theater, and cinemas, and use the services of a diving center. In addition, an amusement park will appear on the platform with a high-speed racing track, reminiscent of a giant washing machine hose, and numerous extreme rides. There are berths for yachts and helipads.
The project will cost at least $5 billion. It is being developed by Oil Park Development and financed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. The exact opening date of the complex has not yet been announced, but the presentation of the project says that by 2032, The Rig will be able to receive up to 900 thousand tourists annually.
In the fall, we told you that six Gulf countries would introduce “Arab Schengen” – tourists and residents would be able to travel around the region without obtaining additional visas and permits. The agreement, which will take effect this year, was between the interior ministries of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.