The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) has revealed design plans for a Marine Life Institute which it says will be the world’s first fully immersive experiential marine life centre.

Set within the Amaala on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, it will be located on the waterfront of Triple Bay.

The 10,340 sqm institute will comprise three levels – one above ground and two below – and offer panoramic views of the Red Sea and the marina.

It will be built to hold up to 650 people at any one time. The experiential positioning will allow guests to walk underwater, snorkel with rare species, participate in lab tours and undertake submarine dives within the Red Sea.

The facility will also be home to one of the world’s largest man-made reefs, measuring 40m long and 10m deep and providing what it refers to as a “Grand Reveal” moment for visitors on arrival.

“With ten zones that provide everything from augmented reality experiences to night diving, and spaces for the scientific community to effectively progress their environmental projects, the Marine Life Institute is undeniably unique. Not only will it drive global green and blue innovations, it will also help put Saudi Arabia on the map for travellers seeking trips that enrich their lives,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC.

“The institute will live in the Triple Bay marina at Amaala, but is the beating heart of our broader ambitions to protect and enhance the thriving Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Through our expanding portfolio of projects we will share our valuable scientific discoveries with the world and enable our guests to experience the true beauty of our thriving coral reefs.”

John Pagano details the development plans for the Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia

Both the Red Sea Project and Amaala are being built upon the premise of regenerative tourism. In a recent interview with Business Traveller, Pagano said, “Between those two projects [Red Sea and Amaala] in the first phase, we will save one million tonnes of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere.”

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