The Prime Minister and Chairman of Soudah Development, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has revealed a US$7.7 billion proposal to build an opulent mountain resort in the Kingdom. The master plan for converting Soudah and portions of Rijal Almaa into Soudah Peaks, a luxurious mountain resort located 3,015 meters above sea level atop Saudi Arabia’s highest peak, has been formally started in the area.
Vision for economic growth
In a statement, HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: “Soudah Peaks represents a new era of luxury mountain tourism by providing an unprecedented living experience while preserving the natural environment, cultural, and heritage richness. It is strategically aligned with Vision 2030 goals of expanding tourism and entertainment, supporting economic growth, attracting investments, contributing more than SAR29 billion to the Kingdom’s cumulative GDP, and creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities.”
Speaking about the project’s cultural significance, HRH Crown Prince added: “Soudah Peaks will be a significant addition to the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia 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.”
Delivering luxury amidst nature
By 2033, Soudah Peaks, which encompasses more than 627 sq km of breathtaking scenery, hopes to provide ultra-luxury accommodation services to over two million tourists annually while protecting the environment. The masterplan is being created to enhance the region’s cultural and landscape heritage while also reflecting local traditional and architectural forms. There will be 6 distinct development zones at the location: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal, and Red Rock. Aside from outdoor attractions for sports, adventure, wellness, and culture, each will offer specialized amenities including hotels, opulent mountain resorts, residential chalets, villas, and premium mansion sites.
By 2033, Soudah Development will provide 80,000 square meters of commercial space, 1,336 residential units, and 2,700 hospitality keys for Soudah Peaks. The project will be built out in three phases, with the first phase, which is scheduled to be finished in 2027, including 940 hotel keys, 391 residential units, and 32,000 square meters of retail space.
A unique destination with a purpose
Soudah Development, a closed joint-stock company controlled by PIF, seeks to develop a distinctive luxury mountain tourism destination in Saudi Arabia while maintaining the local ecology and cultural history of the project area, which spans Soudah and a portion of Rijal Almaa. In order to adhere to the highest sustainability requirements and support the Saudi Green Initiative, less than 1% of the land will be used for development. The masterplan, according to HRH Crown Prince aims to contribute to national income diversification and building a strong economy that attracts local and foreign investments and reaffirms the commitment to global efforts in preserving the environment and natural resources for future generations.