Crown Prince orders authority establishment to develop Darin and Tarout Island

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman issued directives on the establishment of an authority to develop the Darin and Tarout Island, the state-run SPA reported.

The Crown Prince allocated an estimated budget of SAR 2.644 billion for this plan. The new authority will be responsible for improving the quality of life and developing the gross domestic product (GDP), by taking advantage of the island's comparative advantages in the heritage, environment and tourist aspects in a way that contributes to economic diversity.

Development of the 32-square-kilometer island, inhabited by 120,000 people, will revolve around determining the island's comparative and competitive advantages according to three main pillars for shaping the future of Darin and Tarout Island. These 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 introduced. On the cultural side, Darin castle and airport will be developed as heritage tourist destinations. This is besides holding several cultural and heritage festivals on the island, as well as establishing multiple pedestrian trails that pass through its heritage areas.

On the environmental side, the largest mangrove forest will be created on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, in addition to building several environmental hotels and motels in natural areas. This is along with improving the quality of life on the island through the construction of roads, infrastructure and public parks, including many stadiums and modern sports facilities.

The island development approach is expected to have a significant socio-economic impact on the region, by contributing SAR 297 million in average to GDP annually and increasing the number of tourists to 1.36 million by 2030. Further, it is expected to provide job opportunities and allocate up to 48% of the island’s area to public areas and parks, waterfronts, roads and utilities.

The Darin and Tarout Island dates back to over 5,000 years. It has more than 11 heritage cites.

The island development plan aligns with Vision 2030.