Saudi Arabia approves 700-mln-USD development plan for Darin and Tarout Island

Riyadh [Saudi Arabia],November 25: Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud approved on Thursday a 2.64-billion-Saudi riyal (700-million-U.S. dollar) development plan for the Darin and Tarout Island in the northeast of the kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The development plan for the 32-square-km island, home to 120,000 people, aims to improve its life quality and economy by means of its rich heritage, environment and tourist sources, including creating the largest mangrove forest on the Gulf shores, the SPA report said.
Several cultural and heritage festivals will be organized on the island, it added.
The plan is expected to contribute an average of 297 million riyals to Saudi Arabia's annual GDP, according to the report.
With a history of more than 5,000 years, the Darin and Tarout Island has about 11 heritage sites.
Source: Xinhua