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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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Siddiq al-Mahdi: Sudanese Public Unites on Need to End War

Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Siddiq al-Mahdi: Sudanese Public Unites on Need to End War

Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Siddiq al-Mahdi, Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid to Sudanese citizens suffering from the ongoing conflict.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Addis Ababa, al-Mahdi criticized the National Congress Party for manipulating its alliance with the military to advance its political goals.

Al-Mahdi said he would only engage in the political process if the party ends its connection with the military and security forces.

He highlighted a growing recognition of the need to end the war, noting a shift away from military solutions as a positive sign of Sudanese public opinion converging on the need for peace.

The Taqaddum official said this change has reduced support for the war and increased regional and international calls for its end.

Al-Mahdi warned that the war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis and poses threats to the region, neighboring countries, the Horn of Africa, and Red Sea security.

“The need to stop the war is now urgent, and we must act on this,” he said.

He praised international efforts, including the Paris and Cairo conferences and the UN's attempts to bring the warring sides together in Geneva for aid and protection.

Al-Mahdi also revealed that his coalition had proposed a plan to the military and Rapid Support Forces, focusing on humanitarian aid, political arrangements to end the war, and a transition to civilian democracy.

He stressed that the humanitarian situation cannot wait for the war to end.

“Providing aid and protecting citizens are urgent priorities. We need to act now to deliver aid, even before the war ends,” he said.

He noted that the best approach involves coordinating initiatives from various platforms, including Jeddah, IGAD, and its key member states Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, as well as Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations.

Al-Mahdi emphasized that all these entities are working on humanitarian and peace efforts.

He stated that any alignment among mediators, conflict parties, and civil components is viewed by Taqaddum as a comprehensive process for achieving peace.