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SDC CEO: We Seek Investing $800 Mln in Infrastructure Development

SDC CEO Husameddin Al-Madani
SDC CEO Husameddin Al-Madani
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SDC CEO: We Seek Investing $800 Mln in Infrastructure Development

SDC CEO Husameddin Al-Madani
SDC CEO Husameddin Al-Madani

With Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announcing the creation of the Soudah Development Company (SDC) in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, the kingdom is set for building a luxury mountain destination that features immersive cultural experiences.

The destination adds another dimension to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism goals, and complements those destinations created on the Red Sea coast and around the capital city of Riyadh.

SDC CEO Husameddin Al-Madani, in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, confirmed that the company is seeking to invest more than SR 3 billion ($800 million) in infrastructure development in the targeted region.

This will contribute an estimated SR29 billion ($7.7 billion) to the Kingdom’s cumulative GDP by 2030, Madani confirmed, adding that the company will reveal more details about its general plans soon.

Madani revealed that the SDC will work on quality projects through the development of the kingdom’s tourism and entertainment sectors.

Planned developments include 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,300 residential units, and 30 unique commercial and entertainment attractions that aim to attract over 2 million visitors annually.

“Soudah is home to the tallest peak in the kingdom, with an elevation of over 3,000 meters. It also offers a large number of heritage villages, archeological sites, and juniper forests,” Madani said, stressing that the area has great potential to become a global mountain destination.

When asked on the date of releasing the SDC’s comprehensive general scheme, Madani confirmed that the company is working with a team of development experts and that the project’s plans will be announced later.

“The SDC aims to attract 2 million domestic and international tourists year-long by 2030,” Al-Madani asserted, pointing out that the size of expected investments in the development project will reach around SR 11 billion ($2.9 billion) with opportunities offered to both local and international investors.

Madani affirmed that the company aims to attract international investments to the region, give local investors opportunities, and support small and medium enterprises.

He further revealed that the SDC has practically started working on preserving the region’s heritage and culture, paying attention to its originality, and empowering the local community.

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Nigeria Nears Military Agreements with Saudi Arabia to Boost Security, Combat Terrorism

Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
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Nigeria Nears Military Agreements with Saudi Arabia to Boost Security, Combat Terrorism

Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, told Asharq Al-Awsat that his country is close to signing military agreements with Saudi Arabia. These deals will include joint training, capacity-building programs, counterterrorism training, and intelligence sharing.

He said Nigeria is working to strengthen its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. “My visit focused on boosting military cooperation and ties with the Saudi Armed Forces,” he added after meeting Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

Matawalle said his country believes in Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting regional stability and global security. He noted that his visit aimed to explore new opportunities, share ideas, and strengthen cooperation to address common security threats.

Matawalle said the talks focused on boosting security ties, including counterterrorism training and intelligence sharing.

“We aim to solidify Nigeria’s partnership with Saudi Arabia and finalize agreements on joint training programs and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen our armed forces,” he said.

He also visited the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) headquarters in Riyadh, where he met Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi to discuss enhancing cooperation in security and counterterrorism with Saudi Arabia and other member states.

Counterterrorism Efforts

Nigeria has made strong progress in fighting terrorism, thanks to multi-faceted strategies, according to Matawalle. He pointed to the success of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which has significantly reduced banditry in the northwest.

In the northeast, groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have been largely defeated through Operation HADIN KAI, he said, crediting military action and international partnerships, including with Saudi Arabia, for improved intelligence and training.

Matawalle also praised a recent counterterrorism conference in Nigeria, calling it a vital step.

“It highlighted the importance of working together to tackle terrorism and strengthen regional security,” he said.

Matawalle said that the recent counterterrorism conference helped countries share strategies, intelligence, and best practices. He stressed the need for a united front against terrorist networks and highlighted the event’s role in boosting collaboration between African nations and global partners.

Matawalle added that the conference reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in regional security and the importance of partnerships like the one with the IMCTC.

Nigeria Calls for Stronger Arab-African Role in Regional Crises

Matawalle urged Arab-African nations to work together to stop the wars in Palestine and Lebanon. He called for collective action to push for a ceasefire and provide humanitarian aid to those affected.

He emphasized the need for Arab-African countries to use their influence in organizations like the UN and African Union to seek a fair resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On Sudan’s crisis, Matawalle reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for peaceful solutions through inclusive dialogue. He stressed that clear mandates, logistical support, and collaboration with local stakeholders are essential for success.

“Nigeria is ready to work with regional and international partners to ensure peace initiatives succeed,” he said, highlighting Nigeria’s leadership roles in ECOWAS and the African Union. He also backed deploying mediators to secure ceasefires and deliver humanitarian aid.

Matawalle said deploying African forces in Sudan could succeed if efforts are well-coordinated, properly funded, and internationally supported.

He expressed optimism, pointing to growing agreement among African nations on the importance of African-led solutions. With backing from the African Union and global partners, he believes such initiatives could protect civilians and promote lasting stability.