Saudi Arabia is taking tourism beyond traditional resorts and city attractions with THE RIG., an extraordinary development designed to become the world’s first tourism destination built on an offshore platform inspired by oil rigs.

Located in the Arabian Gulf, THE RIG. is being developed by the Oil Park Development Company (OPDC), a company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The project transforms the Kingdom’s oil and gas heritage into a completely new type of tourism experience.

The project is also closely aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s goals of expanding tourism, creating new employment opportunities, and diversifying the economy.

A Tourism Destination on the Arabian Gulf

THE RIG. is planned approximately 40 kilometers from Saudi Arabia’s coastline, near Al Juraid Island and the Berri Oil Field.

The development will cover more than 300,000 square meters of gross floor area, creating a huge offshore destination dedicated to adventure, hospitality, entertainment, and marine experiences.

Rather than simply replicating an oil platform, the project uses the industrial character of offshore rigs as inspiration for a completely new tourism concept.

A World of Adventure Above and Below the Sea

Adventure is at the center of THE RIG.’s identity.

The destination is planned to offer more than 70 attractions and activities, combining experiences on the platform with activities in and beneath the Arabian Gulf.

Planned experiences include:

• Extreme sports and adventure activities
• Water sports and marine experiences
• Submersible and underwater exploration
• Adventure parks
• Karting and adrenaline-focused attractions
• Yacht and marina experiences
• Family entertainment
• Immersive attractions

This combination is designed to make THE RIG. attractive to adventure seekers, families, yacht enthusiasts, and visitors looking for something completely different.

Three Hotels and 800 Rooms

THE RIG. is being designed as a complete hospitality destination rather than a day-trip attraction.

The masterplan includes:

• 3 hotels
• 800 hotel rooms
• 11 restaurants
• Retail and leisure facilities
• A marina
• Helipads
• An immersive theatre
• A multipurpose arena

Visitors will therefore be able to stay overnight and experience the destination as a full vacation rather than simply visiting for a few hours.

Turning Saudi Oil Heritage into Tourism

One of the most interesting aspects of THE RIG. is its connection to Saudi Arabia’s industrial history.

The project takes inspiration from the Kingdom’s long-standing oil and gas industry and transforms that heritage into an entertainment and tourism experience.

Instead of leaving the offshore-rig concept exclusively within the energy sector, THE RIG. aims to demonstrate how Saudi Arabia’s industrial legacy can become part of its future tourism economy.

This makes the project particularly significant within the Kingdom’s broader economic transformation.

Innovative Transportation

Because THE RIG. will be located offshore, reaching the destination will be part of the experience.

Planned transportation options include:

• High-speed ferries
• Helicopters
• Private yachts
• Seaplanes

This multimodal approach is intended to provide visitors with convenient access while adding another layer of adventure to the journey.

Sustainability and Environmental Protection

Despite its industrial inspiration, environmental protection is an important component of THE RIG.’s development.

The project states that it aims to maximize positive environmental impact, facilitate eco-experiences, empower communities, and operate responsibly.

Its environmental approach is intended to ensure that the development of a large offshore tourism destination is balanced with protection of the surrounding marine environment.

Economic Impact and Vision 2030

THE RIG. is part of PIF’s broader strategy to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s tourism and entertainment sectors.

The project is expected to contribute through:

• Tourism investment
• New employment opportunities
• Growth in hospitality and entertainment
• Development of marine tourism
• Increased visitor spending
• Economic diversification

The masterplan targets more than 900,000 visitors annually by 2032, highlighting the scale of the project’s tourism ambitions.

Development Status

THE RIG. is currently a development project and is not yet open to visitors. Its masterplan was unveiled in January 2024, and the project continues to move through development and partnership stages.

The project has already established partnerships related to maritime operations and visitor transportation, demonstrating continued preparation for the future destination.

Conclusion

THE RIG. is one of Saudi Arabia’s most unusual mega-tourism concepts. By transforming the visual identity and heritage of offshore oil platforms into a futuristic entertainment destination, the project connects the Kingdom’s industrial past with its tourism-focused future.

With more than 300,000 square meters of development, three hotels, 800 rooms, 11 restaurants, a marina, and more than 70 attractions and activities, THE RIG. is being designed as a destination unlike anything currently operating in the world.