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Saudi Arabia's Soudah Development Company (SDC) is expected to issue the tender in the second half of this year to develop the first phase of its Soudah Peaks, a mountain tourism destination set 3,015 metres above sea level on the country's highest peak in the Aseer region.

"The design works are still ongoing and the tender for the first phase is likely going to be floated in the third quarter of this year," sources close to the project told MEED.

Covering an area of more than 635 square kilometres, the masterplan consists of six development zones: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal and Red Rock. The development will have 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,336 residential units and 30 other attractions.

The masterplan will be developed in three phases.

The first phase will include the development of five out of six zones. 

Jareen will be developed as part of the third phase when the infrastructure and connectivity are fully established within the development.

Soudah development plan

The first phase will include 940 hotel keys, 391 residential units and 1,025 staff accommodation units.

The construction is expected to start in 2024 and is slated for completion by 2026.

The second phase will increase the total to 1,735 hotel rooms, 641 residential units and 2,150 staff accommodation units.

The construction is planned for 2027 and its completion is expected in 2029.

The final phase will have 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,336 residential units and 3,022 staff accommodation units.

In September last year, MEED reported that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud had announced a masterplan to develop the Soudah Peaks project.

Speaking at the launch, the crown prince said: “Soudah Peaks will be a significant addition to the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia and place the kingdom on the global tourism map while highlighting and celebrating the country’s rich culture and heritage.” 

Launched in 2021, SDC is wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth vehicle, the Public Investment Fund.

An investment of SR11bn ($3bn) has been planned to develop tourism infrastructure and attractions in the Aseer region in the southwest of the kingdom.

SDC intends to partner with the local community and private sector to develop hospitality, residential, commercial and entertainment offerings that will attract more than 2 million visitors a year, creating 8,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs by 2030.