Granite and juniper
Al-Soudah Mountain stands about 3,015 m above sea level in the Sarawat range of Asir and forms part of Asir National Park. It is built of hard, erosion-resistant rock: granite, gneiss and schist. Its slopes carry juniper, acacia, wild olive and aromatic herbs, and the seasonal rains spread fresh pasture across them.
North-west of Abha, King Abdulaziz National Park in Al-Soudah opened on 5 July 2011 and covers 883 hectares. It receives the highest rainfall in Asir, which keeps its juniper forest dense.
Down to Tihama
The Aqabat Al-Sama road links the summit with the Tihama slopes, running from Abha to Rijal Almaa. A cable car makes a similar descent: 14 cabins over about 7 km, dropping roughly 2,000 m towards the village. Visitors come for rock climbing, paragliding, hang gliding and camping.
Soudah Peaks
On 24 February 2021 HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Soudah Development Company, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund. On 25 September 2023 he announced Soudah Peaks, a destination of up to 627 km² across six areas, Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal and Red Rock, where building will be capped at 1% of the land.
The first phase, expected in 2027, includes 940 hotel rooms and 391 residential units. By 2033 the destination aims to host two million visitors a year.