Oil Park Development CEO says THE RIG. project to generate 3,000 jobs

Logo of THE RIG project

Raed Bakhrji, CEO of Oil Park Development Co. (OPDC), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), expects THE RIG. project to generate more than 3,000 jobs during its operation phase in the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors.

He told CNBC Arabia that the selection of contractors for the project is based on quality and price, adding he hopes that local contractors will represent more than 50% of the project.

THE RIG project will span over an area of 300,000 square meters. It will feature three luxury hotels that reflect the Kingdom's history of oil exploration and industry. These hotels will be managed by global operators under the brand "THE RIG", he said.

According to data available on Argaam, THE RIG. project spans over 300,000 square meters (sqm) near Al-Jarid Island and the Arabian Gulf’s Berri Conventional Oil Field, located 40 kilometers offshore. The project's masterplan was launched in January 2024. 

The project will include many tourism experiences, including three hotels with 800 rooms, 11 restaurants, and several shops. It will also offer a number of daring adventure activities above and below sea level. It is accessible via various transportation means through the main stations in Dammam and Jubail Industrial City, including fast ferries, helicopters, and seaplanes.