Latest news with #AseerRegion
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
TDF participates as 'Strategic Partner' in Aseer Investment Forum
Abha – Under the patronage of HRH Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Aseer Region and Chairman of the Aseer Development Authority, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) -the national enabler of the tourism sector- took part in the 2nd edition of the Aseer Investment Forum. The forum spotlights high-potential investment opportunities across the region's key sectors, with a special focus on tourism. TDF's participation as a strategic partner reaffirms its commitment to supporting high-impact projects, empowering MSMEs, and accelerating tourism investments in a region known for its extraordinary natural and cultural appeal. As part of the forum's agenda, senior executives from TDF embarked on site visits to several flagship tourism projects supported by the Fund in the Aseer region. The tour began with The Point—the region's largest mixed-use development. Spanning 75,000 square meters, the destination marks the first Hilton-branded hotel in Aseer, featuring 250 guest rooms. The project also includes a vibrant retail hub with 150 stores, 41 restaurants and cafés, and 10 state-of-the-art cinema halls. Thoughtfully designed to celebrate the region's cultural identity, The Point offers a seamless fusion of hospitality, entertainment, and shopping in one dynamic location. The delegation then visited Khayal Walk Boulevard, an entertainment and retail complex distinguished by its innovative design, which blends urban architecture with the mountainous terrain of Aseer. The project includes terraced levels that house upscale boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, delivering a refined visitor experience anchored in local heritage. Next on the itinerary was the InterContinental Hotel, one of the region's flagship luxury hospitality developments. Strategically located to offer stunning natural views, the hotel comprises over 200 rooms and operated by global hospitality leader IHG Hotels & Resorts. It also features an array of amenities, including fine dining venues, event spaces, and a children's club, serving a broad spectrum of traveler needs. The final stop was Le Premier, Aseer's first mixed-use destination that fuses modern aesthetics with a strong national character. The development includes six locally inspired restaurant and café buildings and the four-star Hajlah Hotel, which will offer approximately 150 rooms and a state-of-the-art conference hall, establishing the destination as a year-round draw for both leisure and business tourism in Abha. The combined value of tourism projects enabled by TDF in the Aseer region has now reached approximately SAR 2 billion, reflecting the Fund's ongoing commitment to developing distinctive tourism destinations that contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of TDF, commented: 'Our participation in the 2nd Aseer Investment Forum aligns with the Fund's broader strategy to enable promising destinations across Saudi Arabia. By catalyzing tourism investments and providing tailored financial and advisory solutions, we support transformative projects to grow and thrive. Aseer's exceptional natural and cultural assets make it a prime destination for tourism development, and we are proud to foster partnerships that drive sustainable growth in line with the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.' During the forum, TDF held a workshop titled: 'Tourism Financing: Sustainable Solutions for Investors in the Aseer Region,' which explored TDF's portfolio of financial offerings. The session provided insights into eligibility criteria, access mechanisms, and investor-focused financing solutions tailored to the local market. TDF also featured a dedicated interactive booth, where it showcased its suite of financing products and non-financial programs, offering direct consultations to entrepreneurs and investors interested in entering the tourism sector in the Aseer region. Through initiatives like these, TDF continues to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable tourism destinations that enrich the visitor experience and position the Kingdom as a leading global tourism hub, fully aligned with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030. About the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is Saudi Arabia's national enabler of the tourism sector, going beyond financing to drive high-impact investments and enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi's tourism destinations. TDF enables entrepreneurs and tourism businesses with tailored financial solutions and non-financial support programs while attracting local and international investors to develop landmark tourism projects. With a vision to create a dynamic and attractive investment environment, TDF fosters strategic partnerships, supports economic diversification, enriches visitor experiences, and strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global tourism destination. Committed to advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy, TDF remains a trusted partner, working closely with investors and key stakeholders across the sector. For media inquiries, please contact TDF Corporate Communication team: cc@
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: Al Kathiri Holding seals $38.13mln lease deal with Aseer Region Municipality
Riyadh – Al Kathiri Holding Company inked a long-term lease contract valued at SAR 143.10 million with the Aseer Region Municipality on 27 May 2025. The agreement aims to invest in a strategic project involving the development and operation of a mixed-use hotel and commercial complex in Ard Al Dhihab, Abha, according to a bourse filing. Located on a land area of 53,000 square meters, the project will cover the construction of a four-star hotel with a capacity of 180 keys. The companies will also establish retail and entertainment facilities, aimed at enhancing the level of tourism and commercial services in the region. The deal aligns with Al Kathiri Holding's strategic plans to diversify its investment portfolio and expand into promising sectors. Within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, the partnership anchors the company's commitment to long-term sustainable development.
Argaam
27-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Aseer welcomes 8M tourists in 2024, eyes 4,000 new hotel rooms: Minister
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said Aseer region has unique natural and cultural features that qualify it to be an attractive environment for tourism investments. During his participation in the second edition of the Aseer Investment Forum, Al Khateeb said the coming years will witness the addition of approximately 4,000 new hotel rooms to the region, supported by the tourism system.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Aseer Investment Forum kicks off in its second edition
Abha: Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Aseer Region, the second edition of the Aseer Investment Forum commenced this morning, Tuesday, at King Khalid University's campus in Al-Fara'a, Abha, under the theme 'Aseer Thrives... Invest Now.' The event features the participation of several esteemed ministers, senior officials, investors, and experts from within the Kingdom and abroad. The forum is part of the Aseer Development Authority's efforts to position the region as a leading investment destination. This second edition brings together 1,500 guests, including leaders from developmental sectors, investors, and decision-makers, to discuss ways to develop the investment environment in the region and enhance the synergy between the public and private sectors, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The forum opened with a ministerial session titled 'Aseer Shines... An Investment Destination on the Global Map,' featuring the participation of His Excellency Mr. Abdullah Al-Atiyah, Minister of Municipal Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, and His Excellency Engineer Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. The speakers in the session discussed the role of infrastructure, digital transformation, and major events—including the bid for the city of Abha to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup—in supporting the economic development trajectory of the region. His Excellency Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce, also participated in the forum through a keynote address, where he discussed the performance of the commercial sector in the Aseer region, the ministry's role in facilitating the investor journey, stimulating the business environment, and highlighting the role of chambers of commerce in supporting the growth of various regions. The forum also saw the participation of His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Al-Quwaiz, Chairman of the Capital Market Authority, in a talk focusing on enabling promising regions through capital markets, available financing mechanisms for investors, and the development of laws and regulations to stimulate the national economy. The forum includes five main sessions that discuss key aspects of the investment environment in the Aseer region, as well as available opportunities in the sectors of tourism, technology, infrastructure, and the creative economy. The sessions also highlight the role of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in supporting development through its flagship projects, along with the participation of its subsidiaries in accelerating growth and enhancing sustainability. One of the forum's highlights is the announcement of the launch of 'Qimam Al-Sarrah' company as an investment arm to support land development efforts and facilitate regulatory processes for investors. The forum will also unveil several unique projects presented for the first time, which are expected to strengthen Aseer's position on both the national and global economic map. In addition, the forum features a number of specialized workshops addressing topics such as tourism financing, empowering investors, improving regulations, and showcasing investment opportunities. A concurrent exhibition showcases diverse projects, with a dedicated section for supporting entities. The forum is expected to witness the signing of several agreements and partnerships between the public and private sectors. The second edition of the forum reaffirms Aseer's commitment to achieving comprehensive developmental progress, based on the equitable distribution of investment opportunities among the governorates, strengthening the region's environmental and cultural identity, and fostering collaboration between government entities and local communities, aiming to build a sustainable, integrated investment model. The forum serves as a strategic platform for strengthening national and international partnerships, stimulating qualitative investments, and enhancing the region's readiness to host major projects, as part of a national vision that seeks to achieve a thriving economy, a vibrant society, and a globally competitive standing for all regions of the Kingdom.
Asharq Al-Awsat
23-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia: Wrth, Aseer Authority to Boost Traditional Arts in Handicrafts Year 2025
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Aseer Region Development Authority in Riyadh. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in traditional arts, empower the crafts sector, and enhance artisans' skills, in conjunction with Saudi Arabia's designation of 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday. The MoU supports crafts and traditional industries through collaboration with specialized partners, chiefly with Wrth, SPA said. The partnership aims to build effective and sustainable cooperation that enables educational and training programs focused on preserving the authenticity of crafts and improving their quality, in line with the authority's development goals rooted in heritage and nature. Wrth is a leading entity in promoting national identity, enriching and showcasing Saudi traditional arts locally and globally, honoring distinguished practitioners, preserving craft heritage, supporting national talents, and encouraging wider learning and development of these crafts.
