Soudah Peaks Project

The Soudah Peaks Project is one of the tourist destination projects under the Soudah Development Company. It is a mountainous destination located in Aseer Province in the southwestern part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically at its highest peak at an altitude of 3,015 m above the Red Sea level. It comes as part of the Public Investment Fund's efforts to enable promising vital sectors and support the strategy of developing Aseer Province "Qimam and Shem." The project aims to create a distinctive mountainous tourist destination while preserving the region's natural environment and cultural heritage.

The project was launched by the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Soudah Development Company, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, on September 25, 2023. He stated, "The masterplan reaffirms our commitment to global efforts in preserving the environment and natural resources for future generations and aims to contribute to diversifying national income sources and building a strong economy that attracts local and global investments."

He added, "Soudah Peaks will be a significant addition to the tourism sector in the Kingdom and place the Kingdom on the global tourism map, whilst highlighting and celebrating the country’s rich culture and heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the beauty of Soudah Peaks, explore its rich culture and heritage, and experience the authentic hospitality of the local community. Soudah Peaks will offer unforgettable experiences amidst lush greenery, above the clouds."

The Soudah Peaks Project encompasses vast areas reaching up to 627 km2, covered with juniper forests, Dodonaea trees, and wild olive trees (al-Atm). The project also includes more than two hundred documented heritage sites, among them small villages, watchtowers, mountain forts, mosques, and traditional houses.

The project extends over six main areas characterized by moderate and rainy weather throughout the year: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal, and Red Rock. The masterplan designs are based on the local architectural identity.

The project has allocated a building area that does not exceed 1 percent of the total area, in support of the Saudi Green Initiative. This commitment by Soudah Development Company aims to protect the environment, apply sustainability standards, and preserve and develop natural resources within the project area.

The facilities of the Soudah Peaks Project vary, including palaces, hotels, mountain resorts, and residential units with scenic views. The masterplan consists of three main phases. The first phase includes the development of 940 hotel rooms, 391 residential units, and 32,000 m of commercial spaces. This phase is expected to be completed in 2027. By 2030, the project aims to develop 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,336 residential units, and eighty thousand m of commercial spaces.

In an environment rich with heritage and culture, the project will offer hospitality services to two million visitors annually by 2033. It will feature tranquil wellness resorts, centers for meditation and yoga, shops, and a variety of mountain adventures and sports such as hiking trails, mountain paths, golf, horseback riding, and paragliding. Additionally, it will provide opportunities to explore the region's nature and biodiversity, including local honey farms, coffee plantations, and national parks.