Saudi Arabia's Soudah Development is moving towards starting construction work on its Soudah Peaks development after its masterplan was approved last year.

"We have approval to develop across 627 square metres, although we will only use a small fraction of that to protect the natural environment," Soudah Development’s chief development officer, Daniel McBrearty, told MEED’s Saudi Giga Projects event in Riyadh on 13 May.

Situated 3,015 metres above sea level, the project is located in a mountainous area in Saudi Arabia's Asir Region.

“The masterplan for the park took some time to come to fruition due to its scale. And we are now looking for contractors - both large and small speciality groups," said McBrearty.

“These contractors must understand the scope of work and be familiar with constructing low-rise buildings common in this area, such as those made from natural materials.”

McBrearty added that the long timeline allows contractors to invest with visibility of continued work packages. "This project showcases what makes Saudi Arabia unique, as local companies see long-term opportunities from the sustained multi-phase construction work.”

To be constructed over the next three years, phase one will include nine hotels, 940 hotel rooms, 250 homes and 20,000 sq m of commercial space.

Future phases, to be executed over 10 years, will expand the resort with more amenities.

The masterplan includes six distinct development zones, each featuring different elements to attract diverse visitors.

An investment of SR11bn ($3bn) has been planned to develop tourism infrastructure and attractions in the Asir region in the southwest of the kingdom.