The CEO of the Asir Development Authority, Hashem Al-Dabbagh, confirmed today, Friday, that Saudi Arabia continues to invest billions of dollars in the southern Asir region amid growing confidence in ending the border war in Yemen. Al-Dabbagh stated, "It is true that Abha is close to Yemen... but we are moving forward, and morale is very high." The Asir Development Authority is owned by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched a strategy worth 50 billion riyals (13 billion dollars) in September to utilize both private and public investments in developing the region overlooking the Red Sea into a tourist center. Al-Dabbagh indicated that the Public Investment Fund will inject direct investments amounting to 20 billion riyals to develop infrastructure, hotels, squares, and other projects in two main plans.
The Sudah project will cover an area roughly the size of Bahrain. Al-Dabbagh mentioned, "The parts to be developed represent one percent of the total area, and we will preserve the forests and nature present in these areas." The Wadi project will include the replenishment of a river that has been dry for decades due to dams built in the past.
He added, "On both banks of the (river), residential, commercial, and cultural buildings will be constructed, agriculture will thrive, and there will be no roads; this is for walking and strolling." The strategy also includes the expansion of Abha Airport. Al-Dabbagh continued, "The airport will be completely renovated. The capacity will expand to 13 million passengers annually. The number of flights will grow to 90,000 flights per year."
