Ardara: KSA’s Fresh View on Sustainable Urban Development

In 2023, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the founding of a new company, Ardara, to create notable urban and tourism projects in the Asir region. This fosters economic development and establishes the area as a major national destination for investment and tourism.

The Abha Valley project, which the new company is spearheading, is the first of many projects the company intends to start. In keeping with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 under the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this project aids the Kingdom’s endeavours to develop the interior regions and diversify its revenue streams.

Abha Valley: Ardara’s Initial Project

‘Abha Valley,’ a massive project, is Ardara’s first project, and it has chosen Abha as its first launch site.

The 2.5 million square metre project incorporates an architectural and urban design that draws inspiration from the Asir region’s ancient history and heritage, while also improving the quality of life and adhering to environmental sustainability standards.

With over 30% open green space, 16 kilometres of waterfront, and 17 kilometres of community, cultural, and sports trails, the project is a well-rounded example of an eco-friendly smart city and a popular tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists.

A Well-Integrated Community

The five primary areas that make up ‘Abha Valley’ each have their own unique identity and function to cater to the needs of tourists, families, and individuals.

The project’s initial phase, which will be carried out over the following three years, will comprise over 2,000 housing options, including luxury flats and villas. It will also include commercial centres with a combined area exceeding 4,500 square metres and five- and four-star hotels with roughly 425 hotel rooms, 42 villas, and 62 residential flats.

Through eco-friendly transportation and designated walking, jogging and cycling routes, the company also aims to provide cutting-edge infrastructure that supports sustainable transportation, creating a safe and healthy space that blends work, play, and relaxation.

Promising Investment Opportunities

By providing opportunities in hospitality, food and agriculture, arts and culture, retail, and entertainment, Ardara hopes to attract both domestic and foreign investment and establish strategic alliances that promote regional economic development.

In addition to creating thousands of jobs for the residents of the Asir region, this project is a significant economic driver, with an estimated non-oil GDP contribution of over SAR 19 billion by 2030.

Moreover, the project aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2021 announcement of the Asir Region Strategy “Qimam and Shem” (Summits and Heights), which aims to establish the region as a pioneer in sustainable development and tourism.

Launching Officially: Asir Investment Forum

The project’s initial residential community details emerged during the Asir Investment Forum’s second edition. Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz was the patron of the recent event, the region’s Emir and Chairman of the Ardara Board of Directors. Additionally, several agreements about the construction of basic facilities and infrastructure were signed.

This launch improves the region’s standing on the national development and tourism map, representing a major milestone in the creation of Wadi Abha, the first integrated residential community that reflects the distinctive urban character of the Asir region.

While maintaining the Asir region’s cultural and historical identity, the project seeks to create the first destination of its kind in the Kingdom that blends world-class architectural design with scenic natural beauty. This project can serve as a model for future initiatives, which is a creative example of urban development projects that balance community, tourism, and environmental aspects.

Read more: Investment Projects Worth $5 Billion Will Transform Jazan

An Upbeat Prospect for the Asir Area

Since the opening of Ardara and the construction of the Abha Valley project, the Asir region has gained international attention as a place for investment, innovation, and sustainable development in addition to being a popular tourist destination.

The project serves as proof of the profound changes occurring in the Kingdom, helping to realise a comprehensive vision for national advancement by transforming the interior regions into key centres of culture and the economy.

Read more: KSA’s PIF Allots Significant Funding for Green Initiatives