The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) has unveiled its designs of the world’s first immersive and experiential marine life centre at Amaala in Saudi Arabia.
Created by architectural firm Foster + Partners, the state-of-the-art Marine Life Institute will be a scientific research centre and visitor destination.
Located in the Triple Bay Marina at Amaala, the venue will be home to one of the world’s largest artificial reefs, futuristic laboratory spaces, educational exhibitions, and augmented reality (AR) experiences.
Visitors will also get to walk underwater, snorkel with rare species, take part in lab tours, and dive in a submarine.
John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC, said it is a “first-of-its-kind facility that extends far beyond any existing marine life attraction”.
“With 10 zones that provide everything from AR experiences to night diving, and spaces for the scientific community to effectively progress their environmental projects, the Marine Life Institute is undeniably unique,” Pagano said.
Designed to resemble the Red Sea’s coral formations, the institute will cover an area of more than 10,000 square metres. It will provide panoramic views of the Red Sea.
Gerard Evenden, head of studio at Foster + Partners, said the experience will “take guests on a vibrant, educational, and awe-inspiring journey that unveils the natural wonders of the Red Sea and blurs the boundaries between the institute and the ocean”.
Exhibits, AR experiences and lab tours
“By recreating natural marine habitats, offering unforgettable marine interactions, and sharing glimpses into conservation projects, it will provide guests with an immersive marine experience unlike any other,” he added.
The facility is being built sustainably, and site preparation works have already started. It is part of Amaala’s first phase, Triple Bay, which is set to complete in 2024.
Amaala recently announced that more than 300 construction contracts worth in excess of $1.7 billion have been signed to date.
Images: TRSDC
