RIYADH: A five-star hotel is part of a new cruise ship set for Saudi Arabia’s Hail region, local real estate developer Al-Othaim Investment has announced. The new project, also referred to as Al-Othaim Cruise Hail, is built on a total area of ​​77,000 sq. m. and includes a shopping mall, 276 residential units, 16 luxurious palaces, and multiple entertainment spaces. Moreover, the planned hotel on the ship contains 120 rooms and 156 apartments, as well as office spaces on six floors covering an area of over 9,000 sq. m. The company said in a post on X that this move falls in line with its expansion strategy, which aims to launch several projects in various regions of the Kingdom. “Our staff of 4,000 young Saudi men and women serve the passengers the recreational services,” the company said in its post. The new development is also projected to contribute significantly to sustainable development, achieving the nation’s Vision 2030 goals and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global investment center. Additionally, the planned cruise ship aligns well with the ongoing encouragement of Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad, the governor of the Hail region, to support the growth and development process in the area and to enhance its position as a leading investment destination. The project also occurs alongside the continuous support for the private sector from the Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, and his dedication to creating an attractive investment environment throughout the Kingdom’s various regions and cities. In May, Saudi Tourism Investment Co.’s CEO revealed that the Kingdom’s northwestern city of Hail would home to the firm’s fifth destination development. Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the Future Hospitality Summit at the time, Fahad bin Mushayt announced the plan, which comes after the activation of the company’s projects in Al-Baha, Yanbu, Al-Ahsa, and Taif. Mushayt noted that the initiatives were launched within a year of the unveiling of the Public Investment Fund-owned firm Asfar. The CEO also highlighted at the time that the company is mandated to invest in new projects and develop attractive travel destinations, incorporating hospitality, tourist attractions, retail, and food and beverage offerings in cities across Saudi Arabia. Bin Mushayt said at the time: “In almost one year, Asfar is already playing in four destinations, with Hail coming soon, so I can reveal that.”