Soudah Development, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, released its Annual Sustainability Report for 2024 on February 15, 2025, highlighting major environmental and cultural achievements in the Soudah and Rijal Almaa regions. The report details progress in biodiversity restoration, waste reduction, and heritage preservation, underscoring alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
Context and Background
Soudah Development, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, is responsible for developing the Soudah Peaks project—a luxury mountain tourism destination in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The region, known for its high-altitude forests and cultural heritage, is a focal point for sustainable tourism under Vision 2030. The annual sustainability report serves as a transparent account of the company’s environmental and social impact.
Key Details
The report highlights the planting of over 73,000 native trees and the reintroduction of four ibex and eight gazelles into the wild, bringing total reintroductions since 2023 to 27 ibex and 18 gazelles. Additionally, 809 tons of waste were removed from national parks, and 980 tons of construction waste were recycled. Innovative water-saving technologies, including water boxes, reduced consumption by more than 80%. On the cultural front, the company restored four heritage sites: Borj Tihan, The Bee House, Sheikh House, and Al Hamidiyah Duct Tower. It also launched its first community training program for local artisans, equipping small handicraft businesses for the sustainable tourism economy.
Implications
These efforts position Soudah Peaks as a model for sustainable luxury tourism in the Middle East. By integrating environmental restoration with community development, the project supports regional economic diversification and ecological conservation, attracting international visitors seeking authentic, eco-conscious experiences.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Soudah Development’s 2024 sustainability achievements directly advance Vision 2030 goals of environmental stewardship, heritage preservation, and tourism expansion. The Soudah Peaks project, with its six development zones—Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Red Rock, Jareen, and Rijal—will offer luxury resorts, retail, and residential options, further positioning Saudi Arabia as a global destination for sustainable tourism.
20 Questions
Q1. What is Soudah Development?
A1. Soudah Development is a Public Investment Fund company responsible for developing the Soudah Peaks luxury mountain tourism project in southwestern Saudi Arabia, focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation.
Q2. What does the Annual Sustainability Report 2024 cover?
A2. The report covers Soudah Development’s initiatives in sustainability, biodiversity restoration, waste management, water conservation, and the preservation of cultural and heritage sites in Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa.
Q3. When was the report released?
A3. The report was released on February 15, 2025, via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Q4. Who is the CEO of Soudah Development?
A4. The CEO of Soudah Development is Eng. Saleh Aloraini.
Q5. What did the CEO say about sustainability?
A5. Eng. Saleh Aloraini stated that sustainability is a central enabler and key pillar of the Soudah Peaks project, and the report documents progress in preserving the environmental and cultural landscape.
Q6. How many native trees were planted in 2024?
A6. More than 73,000 native trees were planted as part of the environmental restoration efforts.
Q7. What wildlife was reintroduced into the wild?
A7. Four ibex and eight gazelles were reintroduced, bringing the total to 27 ibex and 18 gazelles since 2023.
Q8. How much waste was removed from national parks?
A8. A total of 809 tons of waste was removed from national parks in the project areas.
Q9. How much construction waste was recycled?
A9. Approximately 980 tons of construction waste were recycled.
Q10. What innovation reduced water consumption?
A10. The use of water boxes and other innovative technologies reduced water consumption by more than 80%.
Q11. What cultural initiatives were undertaken?
A11. Soudah Development launched a community training program for local artisans and began restoring four heritage sites.
Q12. Which heritage sites are being restored?
A12. The four heritage sites are Borj Tihan, The Bee House, Sheikh House, and Al Hamidiyah Duct Tower.
Q13. What is the community training program for?
A13. The program equips small handicraft businesses with skills to thrive in a sustainable tourism ecosystem.
Q14. What is the Soudah Peaks project?
A14. Soudah Peaks is a luxury mountain tourism project featuring six development zones with resorts, hotels, retail, and residential options.
Q15. What are the six development zones?
A15. The zones are Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Red Rock, Jareen, and Rijal.
Q16. How does the report align with Vision 2030?
A16. The report aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, and tourism diversification.
Q17. What is the Saudi Green Initiative?
A17. The Saudi Green Initiative is a national effort to combat climate change, increase green spaces, and protect the environment, with which Soudah Development’s efforts align.
Q18. How does Soudah Development benefit the local economy?
A18. By training artisans and developing sustainable tourism, the project creates jobs and economic opportunities for local communities.
Q19. What type of tourism does Soudah Peaks aim to attract?
A19. Soudah Peaks aims to attract luxury and eco-conscious tourists seeking authentic mountain experiences and sustainable hospitality.
Q20. Where can the full report be accessed?
A20. The full Annual Sustainability Report for 2024 is available through Soudah Development’s official channels, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency.
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