New Bible attraction to open next week in Eilat
Visitors lounge by the pool of the Eilat 'Princess' resort
Photo: Joe Cott
In an eerie biblical twist, swarms of locusts invaded the city in November
Photo: Itzik Adari
Eilat gets own 'Magic Kingdom'
Israel's "Sin City"-esque coastal town of Eilat to face redemption as 'King's City," Bible-themed attraction, set to open next week; project expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, investors say
EILAT - It’s a holy world after all at Israel’s most popular resort city.
Investors and organizers, including Africa Israel, next week plan to open "King's City," a Bible-themed amusement park in the Red Sea coastal city of Eilat that will feature attractions and activities that showcase traditional stories of kings and queens from the Torah, particularly King Solomon.
The coastal city is believed by many to be a frequent stop in the travels of several biblical monarchs, including King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
The USD 31 million project is located on about 12,000 square meters (3 acres) of land alongside Eilat’s gala hotel resorts, some of which are reminiscent of Las Vegas.
Visitors will be able to watch staged scenes from the Bible at the “Cave of the Bible.” An interactive museum lies within the depths of the “Cave of Wisdom,” while a 3-D film about the bible will be featured, as well.
The Solomon Skipper
Disneyworld may have the Jungle Cruise, but this particular theme park offers a boat ride through a lavish landscape that showcases scenes from the life of King Solomon, who many believe sent his trade ships from the city.
Admission to the park is expected to go for more than NIS 100 (USD 22), and discounts will be given to groups, children and IDF soldiers, as is standard at Israeli attractions.
Africa Israel Director-General Ariel Kapon told "Yedioth Ahronoth" he expects about half a million visitors to visit the attraction every year.
Eilat, which borders Egypt and Jordan, serves as a magnet for both Israeli and foreign tourists. The city is Israel's hottest town, boasting numerous resorts and beaches on the coast of the Red Sea, as well as the Coral Reef.
Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in May that he wants to pass a law that would allow public tenders for a strip of casino hotels in the city.
