Saudi PIF Unveils ‘The Rig.’ Project: World’s First Tourism Destination on Offshore Platforms

PIF announced on the launch of “THE RIG.”, a new tourism project that is inspired by offshore oil platforms. (PIF)
PIF announced on the launch of “THE RIG.”, a new tourism project that is inspired by offshore oil platforms. (PIF)
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Saudi PIF Unveils ‘The Rig.’ Project: World’s First Tourism Destination on Offshore Platforms

PIF announced on the launch of “THE RIG.”, a new tourism project that is inspired by offshore oil platforms. (PIF)
PIF announced on the launch of “THE RIG.”, a new tourism project that is inspired by offshore oil platforms. (PIF)

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced on Saturday the launch of “THE RIG.”, a new tourism project that is inspired by offshore oil platforms.

“THE RIG.” will be located in the Arabian Gulf and will span a combined total area of more than 150,000 square meters and provide a multitude of hospitality offerings, adventures, and aquatic sporting experiences.

“THE RIG.” is a project in the tourism and entertainment sector, one of PIF’s key strategic sectors, and is expected to be a significant value-add to the local economy, said a statement. Additionally, to ensure the sustainable preservation of the environment in the project’s vicinity, the project will follow leading global standards and best practices, further supporting the Kingdom’s broader efforts on environmental protection.

This project is a unique tourism attraction, expected to attract tourists from around the world, while being especially popular with citizens and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

“THE RIG.” will feature a number of touristic attractions, including three hotels, world-class restaurants, helipads, and a range of adventurous activities, including extreme sports.

“THE RIG.” is in line with PIF’s strategy 2021-2025 to drive innovation in Saudi Arabia’s tourism and entertainment sectors, providing promising development opportunities to achieve economic diversification in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

To support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to become a leading global tourist destination, PIF has established several major projects and companies in various regions within the country, including the Red Sea Development Company, Alsoudah Development Company and the Cruise Saudi Company.



UK Economy Shrinks 0.1% in May

The Elizabeth Tower commonly known by the name of the clock's bell "Big Ben" is pictured before race boats from the E1 World Championship race across the River Thames, in central London on July 2, 2025. (Photo by Justin TALLIS / AFP)
The Elizabeth Tower commonly known by the name of the clock's bell "Big Ben" is pictured before race boats from the E1 World Championship race across the River Thames, in central London on July 2, 2025. (Photo by Justin TALLIS / AFP)
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UK Economy Shrinks 0.1% in May

The Elizabeth Tower commonly known by the name of the clock's bell "Big Ben" is pictured before race boats from the E1 World Championship race across the River Thames, in central London on July 2, 2025. (Photo by Justin TALLIS / AFP)
The Elizabeth Tower commonly known by the name of the clock's bell "Big Ben" is pictured before race boats from the E1 World Championship race across the River Thames, in central London on July 2, 2025. (Photo by Justin TALLIS / AFP)

Britain's economic output shrank by 0.1% in May, official data showed on Friday.

Economists polled by Reuters had mostly forecast that gross domestic product would rise by 0.1% from April's level.

Britain's economy expanded rapidly in the first quarter of 2025, outstripping growth in other countries in the Group of Seven advanced economies. In May the Bank of England revised up its full-year growth forecast to 1%.

However, much of the growth in early 2025 was likely to have been linked to the expiry of a tax break for some home purchases in April which boosted the sector before the deadline, and a rush by manufacturers to beat higher US import tariffs.

The BoE has said it thinks the economy grew by about 0.25% in the second quarter of 2025.