Saudi Arabia to turn huge oil rig into hotel and theme park resort
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund unveiled plans for its latest tourism attraction called The Rig – a series of connected platforms that span 150,000 square metres.
"This project is a unique ... attraction, expected to attract tourists from around the world, while being especially popular with citizens and residents of the GCC countries in the region," the PIF said as it unveiled the project at the weekend.
A promotional video showed images of theme park water slides constructed on to the former drilling platform and a steel-and-glass hotel atrium at the centre of the attraction.
The venue will have berths for 50 yachts along with "three hotels, world-class restaurants, helipads and a range of adventurous activities, including extreme sports".
The PIF did not disclose the location of The Rig. Many of Saudi Arabia's oil platforms are clustered off the east coast city of Dammam.
An opening date was not disclosed, with the PIF only saying that the project was part of its 2021-2025 strategy.
The Rig, which was announced on Saturday, is the latest tourism and entertainment project designed to reduce Saudi Arabia's reliance on oil.
The kingdom's government recently unveiled plans for major resorts in the Red Sea off the country's west coast.
Beach-life takes off in Saudi Arabia - in pictures
A floating blow-up water park spells 'Saudi Arabia' in English
letters at Pure Beach in King Abdullah Economic City, about 125
kilometres south of Jeddah's city centre, on the Red Sea.
While tourists have long been able to mingle freely at such
parties in and around Jeddah, known as the kingdom's most open-minded
city, Saudis were confined to single-sex beaches.
Four years into a reform drive aimed at improving the country's
image and creating new opportunities for its oil-reliant economy, Saudis
are enjoying more freedoms.
Beachgoers play at a floating blow-up water park at Pure Beach in King Abdullah Economic City.
People swim at Pure Beach in King Abdullah Economic City.
People attend a party in the Saudi Red Sea resort of Jeddah.
Party-goers can now dance the night away in Jeddah.
Both men and women can enjoy the party atmosphere.
A woman plays with a hula hoop during a party in the Saudi Red Sea resort.