$703 million Darin and Tarout Island project to boost Saudi tourism, heritage

Crown prince’s initiative expected to generate thousands of job opportunities

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has allocated as much as SR2.64 billion ($703 million) for the development of the Darin and Tarout Island.

The island is expected to boost the number of tourists in the Kingdom to 1.36 million by 2030. It will also generate thousands of job opportunities.

The project aims at improving the quality of life in the Kingdom while developing the island’s local products by taking advantage of its heritage, environment, and tourpermeate ism. This will also help in contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification. The development is expected to contribute SR297 million annually on average to the country’s gross domestic product. The island, located on an area of 32 sq. km, is inhabited by an estimated 120,000 people. More than 19 qualitative initiatives have been developed to achieve the objectives of the project.

The island enjoys historical significance, dating back to more than 5,000 years. It has more than 11 heritage sites. The Darin Port is one of the oldest ports in the region and

was previously known as a seaport and active market. It served as a warehouse for goods such as musk, perfume, textiles, and spices. A Darien castle and an airport will be developed as heritage tourist destinations and several cultural festivals will be held on the island. Multiple pedestrian paths that the heritage areas will also be built.

A large mangrove forest is also planned. Several hotels and ecolodges in natural areas are to be set up on the shores of the Arabian Gulf.

Roads and public parks, playgrounds and modern sports facilities will also be developed.

As much as 48 percent of the area will be dedicated to public parks, waterfronts, and such facilities.

The development orientation is anticipated to have a significant economic and social impact on the region.