A key deal was signed by the Principality of the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia with the Oil Park Development Company (OPDC), a subsidiary of Saudi sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF), to develop The Rig.project, the first tourist destination in the world inspired by offshore oil platforms.

The investment agreement includes the construction, development, operation, and maintenance of a tourist and visitor station, a marina for yachts and seaplanes, helipads, and various supporting activities to serve the project.

It includes an offshore platform in the middle of the Arabian Gulf and stations on Dammam Corniche, the Cultural Centre, and Jubail Corniche. The main project is a platform in the middle of the Arabian Gulf near Al Juraid Island, stated a SPA report.

The Rig. will host three hotels with a total of 800 rooms, along with an extreme sports and adventure park and marina.

The Rig. is inspired by the design of offshore oil platforms, to celebrate the legacy and heritage of Saudi Arabia’s long oil and gas history. The unique hospitality and adventure experience will span a gross floor area of over 300,000 sq m, located 40 km from the coastline, near Al Juraid Island and Berri Oil Field in the Arabian Gulf.

The Rig. will include three hotels with a total of 800 rooms, along with 11 restaurants, an extreme sports and adventure park, a world-class marina, and helipads. It will feature water activities, including a diving centre, an amusement park, splash park, a big sports centre, an immersive theatre and a multi-purpose arena.