The Oil Park Development Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the developer behind THE RIG project, announced the official launch of its project plan on Wednesday. This ambitious vision seeks to redefine marine sports and adventure tourism.
THE RIG’s design draws inspiration from offshore oil platforms, paying homage to the Kingdom’s rich heritage and historical significance in the oil and gas sectors. This initiative aligns with the strategy of the Public Investment Fund and Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to bolster the tourism sector’s growth, generate job opportunities for local talent, attract investments, and facilitate economic diversification, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), reports Al-Anba daily.
Raed Bukherji, the CEO of the company, highlighted that THE RIG will offer a distinctive hospitality and adventure experience, spanning a building area exceeding 300,000 square meters. Located 40 km from the coast, near Al-Jarid Island and the Berri oil field in the Arabian Gulf, the project is poised to attract over 900,000 visitors annually by 2032.
The comprehensive tourist options include accommodation and entertainment features such as three hotels (800 rooms in total), 11 restaurants, an adventure and thrill sports park, an international marina, and helipads. Visitors will have access to a variety of water activities, including a private diving center, as well as an amusement and water park, an e-sports center, an interactive theater, and a multi-purpose arena.
In response to the project, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism expressed that THE RIG stands as a unique tourist destination that will elevate the Kingdom’s presence on the global tourism map. It is expected to provide visitors with an extraordinary experience filled with excitement, adventure, and exploration.
