This Oil Rig in Saudi Arabia is the Kingdom’s Latest Resort Hub

By now, we’ve pretty much seen it all. With recreational space travel on the docket for 2024, a plethora of underground parties already taking place in abandoned war bunkers and fine dining experiences set up on docked shipping vehicles, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the “stand out from the crowd” personalities to partake in a novel, unprecedented escapade. Until Saudi Arabia, that is. 

Never a country to shy away from outlandish hospitality concepts, the Kingdom has revealed its newest out-of-the-box adventure tourism and entertainment hub: THE RIG. 

A Public Investment Fund (PIF) project, THE RIG. (full stop included) is set to offer adventure seekers a world-first experience of both opulence and ingenuity. Built on an offshore oil rig platform against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, THE RIG.’s chief aim, according to an official statement, is to celebrate “the legacy of Saudi Arabia’s rich oil and gas heritage.” 

Located 40 km away from the coastline and in close proximity to Al Juraid Island and Berri Oil Field, THE RIG. will span a gross floor area of about 300,000 square metres, and will be accessible by the boats that are anchored in a nearby world-class marina or helicopters with their own dedicated helipads. 

Boasting 800 rooms spread out over three hotels, THE RIG. will provide guests with a myriad of adrenaline-appeasing facilities, such as an esports centre, an adventure park, a diving centre and a splash park, as well as several other services that cater to sea sports-related pastimes. And for those looking for less thrill and more leisure, there are 11 world-class restaurants, an immersive theatre, and a multi-purpose arena that is slated to host large-scale festivities and events.