This is the incredible man-made oasis where Saudi millionaires spend the summer

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As government bans overseas travel due to coronavirus, wealthy Saudis must vacation in their country

View of the desert where an artificial oasis has stood on salmon-colored dunes, wasting money after a year of pandemic and at a time when the oil kingdom is trying to revive national tourism.
View of the desert where an artificial oasis has stood on salmon-colored dunes, wasting money after a year of pandemic and at a time when the oil kingdom is trying to revive national tourism.FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP
The coronavirus has hampered the aspiration of the world's largest oil exporter: to become a new tourist and leisure destination to remedy its hyper-dependence on black gold.
The coronavirus has hampered the aspiration of the world’s largest oil exporter: to become a new tourist and leisure destination to remedy its hyper-dependence on black gold.FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP
For this long-term strategy, in recent years it has organized music festivals and sports competitions for a mixed audience and has reopened cinemas, which had long been banned.
For this long-term strategy, in recent years it has organized music festivals and sports competitions for a mixed audience and reopened cinemas, which had long been banned.FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP
"Riyadh Oasis", located near the capital, it is an upscale refuge in the desert. With its palm-fringed ponds, pop-up restaurants and luxury tents, it attracts the wealthiest Saudis, accustomed to spending billions of dollars overseas.
“Riyadh Oasis”, located near the capital, is an upscale hideaway in the desert. With its palm-fringed ponds, pop-up restaurants and luxury tents, it attracts the wealthiest Saudis, accustomed to spending billions of dollars overseas.FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP
"Water, palm trees, sand: the oasis has it all"a Saudi guide tells the visitors, surrounded by Maserati or Bentley cars.
“Water, palm trees, sand – the oasis has it all,” said a Saudi guide, surrounded by Maserati or Bentley cars.FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP
The oasis opened in mid-January for a three-month season, but it has aroused resentment among those who are not wealthy, in a country under austerity measures."The oasis caters to the very wealthy Saudis, those who cannot travel to the United States or Europe for their annual getaways."
The oasis opened in mid-January for a three-month season, but it has aroused resentment among those who are not wealthy, in a country under austerity measures. “The oasis caters to the very wealthy Saudis, those who cannot travel to the United States or Europe for their annual getaways.”FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP
The Gulf countries, and in particular Saudi Arabia, are the main purveyors of affluent tourists, accustomed to spending money.
The Gulf countries, and in particular Saudi Arabia, are the main purveyors of affluent tourists, accustomed to spending money.FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP
Saudi Arabia has extended the foreign travel ban for its citizens until May 17, due to the delay in the arrival of coronavirus vaccines, according to the government. A decision that encourages spending in the local economy. Official data in recent months has shown an increase in domestic tourism and hotel bookings.
Saudi Arabia has extended the foreign travel ban for its citizens until May 17, due to the delay in the arrival of coronavirus vaccines, according to the government. A decision that encourages spending in the local economy. Official data in recent months has shown an increase in domestic tourism and hotel bookings.FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP
In the oasis near Riyadh, you have to pay around 13,000 rials (nearly 3,000 euros, around 3,570 dollars) for a night in a tent "glamps"
In the oasis near Riyadh, you have to pay around 13,000 riyals (nearly 3,000 euros, around 3,570 dollars) for a night in a “glamp” tent. FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP
The place is equipped with luxurious restaurants and bars, where Saudi millionaires can grab expensive drinks and taste exotic dishes.
The place is equipped with luxurious restaurants and bars, where Saudi millionaires can grab expensive drinks and taste exotic dishes. FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP
Notwithstanding the kingdom "will have to strike a balance between high prices and wider inclusion of Saudis", since those with the weakest resources do not have access to tourism as easily
However, the kingdom “will have to strike a balance between high prices and a wider inclusion of Saudis”, as those with the fewest resources do not have access to tourism so easily.FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP

Photos: Fayez Nureldine / AFP

Photo edition: Fernanda Corbani

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