The future of oil … Saudi Arabia is rapidly shaping a new economy … and turning oil rigs into tourist parks
October 16, 2021
Saudi Arabia has thrived on its oil, but recognising that it needs to look towards a future beyond it.
KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced plans to convert an oil rig into a 150,000 square metre “extreme park” and resort located in the Arabian Gulf.
The oil rig will be comprised of three hotels and 11 restaurants across a number of connected platforms, as well as roller coaster rides and adrenaline-rush activities like bungee jumps and skydives.
Artistic impressions of the planned attraction show how it aims to “provide a multitude of hospitality offerings, adventures, and aquatic sporting experiences.”
“This project is a unique tourism attraction, expected to attract tourists from around the world,” said the PIF. It believes that the concept will be particularly popular with visitors from the Gulf region.
Described as the “world’s first tourism destination inspired by offshore oil platforms,” the upcoming attraction is being devised in line with the long-term Saudi Vision 2030’s strategy, which aims to reposition Saudi Arabia as a top international tourism destination and diversify its economy.
While millions of religious visitors make the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca every year, the country’s conservative laws restricting women’s freedoms, along with it troubling human rights history have made it a less than favourable destination for many international visitors.
The country is determined to reposition itself as an alluring global hotspot that can compete with the likes of nearby Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman. It aims to attract 100 million tourists each year by the close of the decade.
Earlier this year, KSA launched plans for a second national airline (the national flag carrier is Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, and to invest $147 billion into transport and logistics over nine years. There is also Neom, the planned futuristic smart city on the Red Sea, and Six Flags Qiddiya, a new destination being constructed as part of a new city situated outside capital city Riyadh.
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