The Red Sea Project for urban and ecological development of Saudi Arabia has a new inclusion to its already flooding list of tourist attractions. The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) recently announced plans to excavate hidden treasures and artifacts within the Red Sea. The plan led to the discovery of an 18th-century Red Sea shipwreck. The diving spot will attract more than 7 million divers, as expected by the Saudi Authorities and TRSDC.
TRSDC has identified around 1,600 archeological sites, of which 20 will have the potential of becoming tourist attractions. These sites include pre-Islamic, and Nabataean remains such as castles and ports. One such site is the shipwreck of Egyptian origin. The ship has massive dimensions and unique architectural parts, and is quite different from the modern-day Arab ships. Michael Slage of TRSDC said, “We don’t know a lot about this period in Saudi history, or what life was like for sailors traversing the Red Sea region back then, which is why this wreck is extremely important to excavate, as it will give us a better picture.”
The Red Sea Shipwreck
With the announcement of TRSDC’s intention to search coastal waters for historical interest, it has partnered with the Museums Commission, Heritage Commission and Saudi Ministry of Culture. The shipwreck has many preserved artifacts with a cargo of porcelain, species and jars. It gives evidence of a highly developed trading industry during the 18th century before the Suez Canal. The ship’s structure suggests it was capable of establishing trade in the Indian ocean with Asia and India. Additionally, the ship’s wooden structure represents the proof of advanced boat building construction which was unknown until now. It is 65-70 feet submerged in the water with more than 1000 calcified jugs. It is around 33 feet wide and 130 feet in length.
The authorities will preserve, index and display the artifacts from around 1000 tons of its intact cargo in the Red Sea Museum, Jeddah. The cargo has more than 4000 decorated jars made of clay in numerous colors, designs and shapes. Divers can explore and see all this cargo.
Slage Said that “According to UNESCO, 60 percent of visitors’ choice in destination are influenced by having heritage assets in place, and 40 percent will stay longer than in locations without heritage assets. We, therefore, believe that by developing accessibility to our heritage sites, of which the shipwreck is only the first of many, we will be able to attract a significantly higher number of visitors.”
The Red Sea Project
The Red Sea shipwreck is a part of the bigger project that comprises 50 resorts, with more than 8000 hotel rooms, 1000 residential properties in 6 inland sites and 22 islands. It will also have an international airport, golf courses, luxury marinas, leisure and entertainment facilities. TRSDC disclosed that the Red Sea project has 700+ contracts signed with a total value of more than $4.7 billion. The project will start welcoming tourists from 2022 after the completion of phase one with 16 hotels and several other spots. The fun involved in exploring and diving these sites will attract several million visitors and divers to Jeddah annually.
