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First phase of historic Sheikh's Fortress renovation completed in Rijal Almaa

First phase of historic Sheikh's Fortress renovation completed in Rijal Almaa

Arab News02-06-2025
RIYADH: The first phase of renovating the historic Sheikh's Fortress site in Rijal Almaa was recently completed by Soudah Development, a Public Investment Fund company.
It is one of the heritage sites in Jareen, one of six development zones within the Soudah Peaks project, according to a report.
Sheikh's Fortress is one of three heritage sites receiving emergency repairs through a collaboration between Soudah Development and the Tourist Villages Cooperative Society of Rijal Almaa, under a deal signed last year.
The collaboration includes emergency repairs of Sheikh's Fortress, Bee House and Hamidiyah Fortress, the report said.
It is part of broader efforts by Soudah Development to preserve and protect architectural and cultural heritage within the Soudah Peaks project area, which includes about 300 historical and cultural sites.
The goal is to provide exceptional experiences for tourists and residents, create job opportunities, and boost the regional and national economy.
With the first phase of repairs complete, Sheikh's Fortress will symbolize the region's rich architectural, cultural and historical identity, and help promote local heritage.
Soudah Peaks will be a luxury mountain destination inspired by local architectural identity. The project includes six distinctive zones: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal and Red Rock.
It will offer luxury tourism, hospitality and residential experiences, and is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while generating long-term economic impact for the region and the Kingdom.
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