Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest exporters of oil, is looking to shift its economy. In 2018, Saudi Arabia made a staggering 110 billion dollars in revenue, but in 2019 and 2020, made an average of only 68.5 billion. So why this sudden downturn in profit? Mohammad Bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, decided it would be for the best for Saudi Arabia to stop leaning so hard on its oil industry. The main reason for this is that the oil in Saudi Arabia will eventually run out. He announced a plan, “Vision 2030”, which aims at shifting the economy away from oil so that when the scarcity of oil becomes a real issue, the economy won’t crumble because of it. So what will the economy of Saudi Arabia look like in a decade from now? A recent announcement may give us an idea of where the future of Saudi Arabia may lie.

Saudi Arabia has announced its intention to open an oil based water park in 2025. The water park, nicknamed “The Rig,” is inspired by offshore oil platforms. The park will feature three hotels, a number of restaurants, and a range of activities. A preview shows among other things a wave pool, water slides, a ferris wheel, and a racetrack. “The Rig” can be reached by a number of ways including ferry, cruise ship, and even helicopter. The park is planned to be located in the Persian Gulf. The hope for this park is to help promote tourism to Saudi Arabia. Officials hope the resort will attract millions of tourists by 2030, which would help shift the country’s economy away from oil. The resort is a massive undertaking and will cost millions of dollars, but will hopefully generate ten fold the price in the decades to come.

(Link to promotional video of “The Rig” resort)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjszOTf4evzAhVvn-AKHc8SBSkQtwJ6BAgIEAM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DwXgzb6qedx4&usg=AOvVaw3Jup07FIi9bkczVZoh4SQs