Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced a $703M funding plan to develop Darin and Tarout Island, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The development scheme will focus on heritage, environment and tourism and will work to enhance the quality of life of the island’s 120,000 residents.
Projects will include the development of Darin Castle and airport, the building of new hotels, the introduction of hiking trails, the introduction of Saudi Arabia’s largest mangrove forest and several new culture festivals.
To shape the future of the 32sq km region Saudi Arabia has identified three main pillars for development, they are, preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the island, the revival of natural and environmental sites and improving quality of life and enhancing its tourism economy.
To achieve the goals of the island’s development plan, more than 19 qualitative initiatives have been developed. On the cultural side, Darin Castle and the airport will be developed as heritage tourist destinations and hold several cultural and heritage festivals on the island, as well as establishing multiple pedestrian trails that pass through the island’s heritage areas.
