The Development Approach of Darin and Tarout Island

The Development Approach of Darin and Tarout Island is a project aimed at developing Darin and Tarout Island. It was announced by the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, based on a Council of Ministers resolution dated November 24, 2022. Additionally, it includes the establishment of a corporation for the island's development.

Tarout Island is located in al-Qatif Governorate in the Eastern Province and is the fourth largest island in the Arabian Gulf, following Qeshm, Bubiyan, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. In the southern corner of Tarout Island lies the town of Darin, which used to be a small island separated from the main island of 'Tarout' and surrounded by shallow waters, until the separating water channel was filled in 1979.

An estimated budget of SAR2.64 billion has been allocated for the development approach of Darin and Tarout Island. The Darin and Tarout Island Development Corporation aims to enhance the quality of life and develop the gross domestic product by leveraging the island's comparative advantages in heritage, environmental, and tourism aspects, contributing to achieving economic diversification.

Darin and Tarout Island spans an area of thirty-two km and is home to 120,000 inhabitants. The development approach for the island includes identifying its strengths and competitive advantages based on three main pillars: preserving the island's cultural and historical heritage, revitalizing its natural and environmental sites, enhancing the quality of life, and boosting its tourism economy.

To achieve the goals of the development approach for the island, more than nineteen quality initiatives have been developed. Culturally, Darin Castle and Darin Airport will be developed as heritage tourist destinations, and several cultural and heritage festivals will be held on the island. Additionally, multiple pedestrian pathways will be created through the island's heritage areas. Environmentally, the largest mangrove forest on the Arabian Gulf shores will be established, along with several eco-friendly hotels and lodges in natural areas. Additionally, the quality of life on the island will be enhanced through the development of roads, infrastructure, and public parks, which will include several sports fields and modern sports facilities.

It is expected that the adoption of the development approach of Darin and Tarout Island will have an economic and social impact by contributing an average of SAR297 million annually to the gross domestic product, increasing the number of tourists to reach 1.36 million by 2030, and providing thousands of job opportunities. In addition, up to 48 percent of the island's area will be allocated for plazas, public parks, waterfronts, roads, and facilities.

Darin and Tarout Island hold historical significance and status, dating back over five thousand years and hosting more than eleven heritage sites. Darin Port is among the oldest ports in the region and was known in the past as a maritime port and bustling market, serving as a storage for goods such as musk, perfumes, textiles, and spices.