RIYADH: Dammam’s major new tourism project that opened on Monday will diversify the region’s economy, according to Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz.

Prince Saud launched the Global City project to boost the region’s tourism, entertainment, and cultural attractions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The inauguration was attended by the Eastern Province Secretary Fahad Al-Jubair, with officials, leaders, and investors from Thailand. During a tour, Prince Saud reviewed the project’s facilities.

Prince Saud said the project would boost and diversify the region’s economy, and attract local, regional, and international investors.

Al-Jubair echoed Prince Saud’s comments and said the Global City aligns with urban development trends aimed at engaging the private sector in high-quality projects.

The project spans more than 650,000 sq. meters, with the first phase covering approximately 250,000 sq. meters.

Fifteen international pavilions representing countries from the Gulf, Asia, Europe and Africa have been completed, bringing the total number of participating countries to 16.

The project features a central artificial lake covering approximately 200,000 sq. meters with a floating restaurant, serving as a hub for tourism and entertainment events.

It includes an open-air theater with a capacity of 7,000 people, expandable to 10,000. It comprises an amusement park over 15,000 sq. meters, with restaurants, cafes, markets, and pedestrian walkways.

Global City is being implemented in three phases. The first phase focuses on the entertainment and festival areas, with 16 international pavilions and 11 restaurants offering Arabic, Asian, and international dishes.

It features themed districts including Chinatown, Indian Gully, and a central food street, in addition to carnival rides, arcade games, live performances, a petting zoo, and a Garden of Lights.

The second phase will expand the project through new pavilions, stunt areas, and restaurants, as well as a water park featuring slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers suitable for all ages.

According to the SPA, the third phase will include the construction of a modern residential neighborhood that will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the project.

On completion, the project is expected to attract 25,000 visitors daily.