Ardara, a leading project developer powered by Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF, said early construction works have begun on the first cluster of its AlWadi development in Abha.
The company has signed up Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Company (Sajco) to carry out sewerage works and Dar Al Riyadh for project management and supervision of infrastructure works.
Spanning 2.5 million sq m in Downtown Abha, AlWadi will adopt architectural styles and character inspired by the heritage and unique character of the Aseer region.
Its key highlight will be elegantly designed homes, thriving commercial spaces, vibrant retail hubs and exhilarating entertainment outlets that will entice residents and visitors throughout the seasons.
As per Ardara’s masterplan, the wider development has a planned gross floor area of about 2.02 million sq m and will boast a total of 7,306 apartments and 90 villas and townhouses as well as 2,783 hotel keys.
The masterplan also allocates 154,082 sq m for retail and food and beverage outlets, 64,161 sq m for offices and 59,075 sq m for leisure and entertainment facilities, said Ardara in its LinkedIn post.
The project team includes Parsons as infrastructure designer and OBMI for architectural and public realm design, while Dar Al Riyadh will oversee infrastructure management and supervision, it added.

A flagship destination of Ardara, AlWadi encompasses 5 distinct character districts with 16 km of waterfront assets, residences, hospitality options, commercial spaces, and entertainment venues, complimented by 17 km of sports tracks.
The destination will adhere to global sustainability standards and champion dynamic lifestyles by dedicating over 30% of the project's area as green and open spaces, offering 16 km of waterfront, 17 km of walking and cycling tracks, as well as cultural activities and community gatherings.
Each of the five distinct districts at Al Wadi offers unique experiences, consisting of 2,000 residence options ranging from luxury apartments to modern villas, a selection of high-end hotel accommodations, commercial spaces and high-quality office areas, all developed in harmony with the region's identity and historical legacy, it added.-TradeArabia News Service