Rising above the clouds at an elevation of 3,015 metres, Jabal Soudah and its surrounding highland terrain in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern corner are the setting for Soudah Peaks—a landmark development poised to redefine mountain tourism in the Kingdom. The project spans 627 km² in the Aseer Province, within the broader Soudah Development Company initiative, and aligns with the national Saudi Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and establish global-standard leisure destinations.
Vision & Strategic Positioning
Soudah Peaks is conceived as a luxury mountain destination offering year-round appeal in a region known for its temperate western highlands. Set against majestic juniper forests and dramatic ridgelines, the development aims to:
- Offer premium hospitality, wellness, adventure, and retail experiences in a cooler mountain climate.
- Celebrate and integrate the rich cultural and heritage fabric of the Aseer region, including traditional architecture, folk music, honey and coffee farming, and ancient mountain villages.
- Diversify Saudi Arabia’s tourism offerings beyond desert and heritage experiences into alpine-style mountain resorts.
- Create long-term economic value by attracting millions of annual visitors and generating billions in GDP contribution while creating thousands of jobs.
Strategically, Soudah Peaks benefits from its exceptional altitude, unique natural setting, and strong backing from the Public Investment Fund through the Soudah Development Company, ensuring both stability and scale.
Master Plan & Core Components
The Soudah Peaks master plan is structured around six distinct development zones, each tailored to specific uses while rooted in local topography and culture: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Red Rock, Jareen, and Rijal.
Key components include:
- Hospitality: Approximately 2,700 hotel units, 1,336 residential units, over 80,000 m² of commercial and retail space, and more than 30 attractions planned by 2033.
- Architecture & Planning: The development incorporates leading global planning and infrastructure expertise, combining traditional Aseer design language with contemporary luxury.
- Accessibility: Located roughly 45 minutes from Abha International Airport, with improved road and air connections to support domestic and international tourism.
Developers and key partners include Soudah Development Company (a Public Investment Fund subsidiary) working alongside international master planners, architects, and hospitality specialists to create an integrated, sustainable mountain destination.
Development & Investment Potential
Soudah Peaks represents one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant leisure and tourism investments, backed by multi-billion-dollar funding over the 2024-2033 horizon.
Highlights include:
- Strong Government Backing: Anchored within Vision 2030, with state-level investment through the Public Investment Fund.
- Tourism Growth: Targeting 2 million visitors annually by 2033.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: Combining luxury hotels, branded residences, retail clusters, adventure zones, and heritage experiences.
- Market Differentiation: The region’s altitude and cool climate provide a unique proposition within the Middle East’s tourism portfolio.
Sustainability & Innovation
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Soudah Peaks, with an emphasis on preserving the mountain ecosystem and promoting harmony between nature and development.
- Less than 3.6% of the 627 km² land area will be developed, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.
- Over 28% of the region will be designated as protected or rehabilitated natural zones.
- The design employs local materials and architectural traditions to reduce environmental impact and maintain visual harmony.
- Mobility and energy systems will prioritize green infrastructure, including walking trails, cable cars, and renewable-energy integration.
- The project contributes to the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, protecting biodiversity and supporting forest conservation.
Challenges & Considerations
Despite its promise, Soudah Peaks faces notable challenges:
- Infrastructure Complexity: Building and maintaining facilities in mountainous terrain increases construction and operational costs.
- Environmental Sensitivity: Protecting fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage requires strict oversight and sustainable planning.
- Seasonality: While cooler weather attracts visitors, ensuring year-round tourism demand will depend on diversified attractions and event programming.
- Community Engagement: Incorporating local populations into the project’s economic and cultural framework is key to long-term authenticity.
- Brand Positioning: Establishing a global identity for a mountain destination in a region traditionally known for desert landscapes will require careful marketing and brand development.
Urban Impact & Legacy
Soudah Peaks is expected to play a transformative role in the Aseer region:
- Economic Development: The project will create jobs, stimulate regional economies, and attract international tourism investment.
- Cultural Preservation: By reviving traditional architecture and supporting local artisans, the project enhances cultural continuity.
- Environmental Leadership: It sets a benchmark for sustainable mountain development in the Middle East.
- Regional Integration: Improved infrastructure and tourism networks will connect Aseer’s heritage villages and surrounding communities to the national tourism grid.
- Global Positioning: Soudah Peaks reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable, diversified, high-value tourism under Vision 2030.
Summary
Soudah Peaks stands as a symbol of elevation—geographically, economically, and culturally. It merges breathtaking natural landscapes with visionary planning to deliver a world-class mountain destination that complements Saudi Arabia’s emerging tourism narrative. Balancing sustainability, luxury, and authenticity, Soudah Peaks has the potential to redefine what tourism looks like in the Arabian Peninsula and to serve as a global model for mountain resort development.
Project Facts & Figures
- Elevation: 3,015 m above sea level
- Total area: 627 km²
- Developed footprint: Approx. 3.6%
- Hotel units: ~2,700 by 2033
- Residential units: ~1,336 second homes
- Commercial space: ~80,000 m²
- Projected GDP contribution: ~USD 7.8 billion by 2033
- Target visitors: 2 million annually by 2033
- Developer: Soudah Development Company (Public Investment Fund subsidiary)
