Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Saudi Arabia is betting $7.7 billion on Soudah Peaks, a mountain retreat meant to rival Europe’s luxury resorts. The twist? It’s rising in a land better known for deserts.
Under Vision 2030, Riyadh is racing to slash its oil dependence by luring 100 million tourists. From Red Sea islands to alpine peaks, tourism is now Saudi Arabia’s newest export.
Unlike Riyadh’s searing heat, Aseer’s highlands stay green and breezy. The kingdom is banking on this climate surprise to attract global travelers craving mountain air.
Plans include high-end hotels, spas, and yoga retreats alongside eco-trails and adventure sports. Think Aspen or the Alps—but powered by Saudi wealth and futuristic design.
Only 1% of the landscape will be developed. Solar power, waste reduction, and wildlife preservation are built into the blueprint—a bid to make luxury tourism green.
Beyond glassy resorts, Soudah Peaks will weave in ancient villages, crafts, and cuisine. Saudi Arabia wants culture, not just comfort, to be part of its global pitch.
Panoramic cable cars are planned to glide tourists over rugged cliffs and valleys. For a nation new to mass tourism, the project is both spectacle and test run.
By 2033, Soudah Peaks is expected to generate thousands of jobs and pump $7.8 billion into the Saudi economy—making it more than a playground for elites.
The real challenge? Building a mega-project without wrecking the fragile mountain ecosystem—or sidelining local communities who’ve called Aseer home for centuries.