Soudah Development Company (SDC), a closed joint-stock real estate development company owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, has officially become an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which is responsible for promoting tourism as a key driver of economic growth and environmental sustainability.
SDC is the 25th affiliated member from the Middle East region to join an alliance of more than 500 global members. The company joins some of Saudi Arabia’s leading tourism destination developers including NEOM, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Development Company, and the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Soudah Development was invited to attend the 24th UNWTO General Assembly in Madrid, Spain, where it received its nomination to become an Affiliate Member and was approved by Assembly members.
The membership strengthens SDC’s continued focus on culture and heritage to help it attain the highest international standards and best practices in tourism development and use the industry as a vehicle driver of social and economic growth.
Husameddin AlMadani CEO – SDC
“Building powerful and effective partnerships with like-minded organizations is an important part of our ongoing efforts to create a luxury mountain tourism destination high above the clouds. We are delighted and enormously proud to have already achieved this exciting and prestigious affiliate membership of the UNWTO. It is the latest in a series of strategic ties we have established with local, regional and global stakeholders to further our goals.”
Soudah Development is developing a luxury mountain destination in a unique and authentic setting among the clouds at 3015 meters above sea level. Its sensitive sustainable quality development strategy is fully aligned with its goals of protecting natural environments and wildlife, empowering local communities and showcasing the extraordinary centuries-old culture and heritage in Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa.
The company’s ongoing development program is fully aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy in the tourism and entertainment sector and the region offers a unique and wholly authentic visitor destination like no other in the region.
As an Affiliate Member of the UNWTO, SDC will be able to work with more than 500 global companies, educational and research institutions, destinations, and NGOs. It will offer a platform to establish dialogue, share information and take further action to promote tourism and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
SDC was established by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of PIF, earlier this year. It was created to drive the development of the Asir region by building 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,300 residential units as well as 30 unique commercial and entertainment attractions.
