The Oil Park Development Company (OPDC), a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has unveiled the ambitious vision for adventure tourism with the launch of THE RIG. Masterplan. This project aims to redefine the tourism landscape, aligning with PIF’s strategy and objectives under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The goal is to drive growth in the tourism sector, create employment opportunities for local talent, attract investment, and diversify the economy.
THE RIG. CEO, Raed Bakhrji, stated that the hospitality and adventure experience will “span a gross floor area of over 300,000 square meters, located 40km from the coastline, near Al Juraid Island and Berri Oil Field in the Arabian Gulf.” He added that “THE RIG. is expected to attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032, appealing to a wide range of domestic, regional, and international audiences, including adrenaline seekers, explorers, balanced holidaymakers, and relaxation seekers.”
According to Bakhrji, THE RIG. will provide a variety of hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and accommodation options. These include three hotels with a total of 800 rooms, 11 restaurants, an extreme sports and adventure park, a world-class marina, and helipads. Additionally, THE RIG. will offer a wide range of water activities, including a diving centre, an amusement park, a splash park, an E-sports centre, an immersive theatre, and a multipurpose arena.
THE RIG. draws inspiration from offshore oil platforms, celebrating Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas legacy and creating a unique experience that makes it a must-visit destination. This world-first adventure tourism destination will be built on an offshore platform in the Arabian Gulf, redefining sea sports and leisure experiences while honouring the Kingdom’s rich oil and gas heritage. The project is developed by the Oil Park Development Company (OPDC).
On February 8, 2024, Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OPDC. This agreement, signed in Riyadh by Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia, and Raed Bakhrji, CEO of OPDC, aims to collaborate on initiatives to drive traffic to the Eastern Province and enhance the overall guest experience. The partnership will explore new transportation methods, including eVTOL, and carbon reduction initiatives, aligning with the sustainability goals of both organisations.
Captain Ibrahim Koshy said, “At Saudia, we are deeply committed to fulfilling our role as the ‘Wings of Vision 2030’ to accomplish our goals in line with the Kingdom’s tourism strategy, which is to bring around 150 million visitors to Saudi Arabia by 2030. This collaboration holds great promises for the travel and tourism industry. Along with our partners, we look forward to leveraging our combined expertise to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the sector.”
Raed Bakhrji added, “THE RIG. draws inspiration from Vision 2030 and its initiatives to develop the tourism sector. It is expected to be one of the leading adventure tourism projects, offering visitors an unparalleled mix of adventure experiences. Our collaboration with Saudia is expected to enhance the quality and uniqueness of our offerings, providing visitors with a wide range of easy access options to this distinctive tourist destination.”
