KSA launches Soudah Development Company with SR11bn investment

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced the launch of Soudah Development Company (SDC) in the Asir region that will lead the development of a luxury mountain destination and will infuse $3 billion (SAR 11 billion) into infrastructure and tourism projects, Al Arabiya reported on Wednesday.

The new entity will be fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). According to a press release, the SDC has been launched to be a key driver of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions, SDC will infuse USD 3 billion (SAR 11 billion) into infrastructure and tourism projects, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience in Soudah and parts of Rijal Alma’a Governorate.

The statement added that the planned developments include 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,300 residential units, and 30 unique commercial and entertainment attractions. SDC aims to develop Soudah and Rijal Alma’a into a repeat, year-long sustainable destination for residents and visitors that will contribute an estimate of USD 8 billion (SAR 29 billion) to the Kingdom’s cumulative GDP by 2030.

SDC intends to partner and collaborate with the local community and private sector to build a robust and diverse network of yearlong offerings across the hospitality, residential, commercial and entertainment sectors. It aims to attract over 2 million visitors annually targeting the adventure seekers and culture travelers that are looking for unique experiences. It is also forecasting to create 8,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs by 2030.

Yasir Othman Al Rumayyan, Governor for the Public Investment Fund, said: “Our investment in the Asir region reflects our confidence in the character of the location, which is a rich amalgamation of identity, heritage and experience. Through careful and considerate development, (SDC) will provide yet another remarkable destination in the diverse and growing portfolio of Saudi Arabian experiences capturing the imagination of a broad range of investors and travelers.”

The destination adds another dimension to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism goals and complements those destinations being created on the Red Sea coast and around the capital city of Riyadh.

SDC aims to create a roadmap to transform the region’s vast public areas into a diverse landscape that organically and respectfully integrates yearlong adventure and culture tourism, while highlighting the region’s distinct culture, geography, and its verdant nature. Preserving the environmental integrity of the destination will be a priority and the development will follow a rigorous regulatory framework and urban planning code.