Draft:Aseer Development Authority

Asir Region Development Authority (ASDA)

Formation	2018
Type	Government Authority
Headquarters	Asir Region
Coordinates	6562 Al-Buhairah, Al-Buhairah Dist., ABAA3693, 3693, Abha 62512
Official language	العربية
Website	https://www.asda.gov.sa/

Aseer Development Authority is a Saudi government authority established in 2018 by royal decree. It is responsible for the development of the Aseer Region and for promoting its economic, urban, and environmental growth. The authority is chaired by the Governor of Aseer Region.

Detailed information about the executive management of Asir Development Authority (ASDA)

Acting CEO

References

Experience

Strategic enablers and projects

1. Formulating general policies for the development and growth of the region.
2. Drawing up plans and preparing comprehensive strategic studies and master plans.
3. Monitoring programs and overseeing project execution
4. Coordinating with relevant entities to follow up on the planning of infrastructure projects.
5. Implementing programs and projects based on designated priorities.
6. Establishing procedures and frameworks that enable and facilitate private sector participation.

External resources

Education

History

He served as an Advisor to the Minister of Investment, leading the development of the National Investment Strategy and establishing its associated Implementation Unit. Previously, he was an Advisor at the Ministry of Economy and Planning, managing several key files including pension system reform and fiscal policy under the Fiscal Balance Program (later transformed into the Fiscal Sustainability Program, a Saudi Vision 2030 program).He was also seconded as the Head of the National Center for Strategic Development Studies. Earlier in his career, he worked with McGraw-Hill Education, first as Business Development Manager and later as Country Manager for Saudi Arabia. He also served as an Investment Manager at Manara in the Kingdom of Bahrain and worked within corporate planning at Saudi Aramco as a global economy and oil markets analyst.

Core guiding principles

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He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering, along with certificates in Applied Mathematics and Engineering Management Systems, from Princeton University, USA, in 2001. Subsequently, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard University, USA, in 2007.""He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering, along with certificates in Applied Mathematics and Engineering Management Systems, from Princeton University, USA, in 2001. Subsequently, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard University, USA, in 2007.

Deputy CEO of Operations

Experience

Education

Aseer dDevelopment strategy

Eng. Hashim Al-Dabbagh currently serves as the CEO of Asir Development Authority, a position he has held since 2022. Following its approval by the Council of Ministers, the Authority is actively working on executing the 'Peaks and Chivalry' strategy, overseeing its implementation to drive development and guide its direction across the Asir region.

Awards

Experience

Deputy CEO of the Technical Sector

Education

Achievements

The Second Industrial City

Achievements

Health

Achievements

Achievements

Achievements

Dr. Amr bin Hamoud Al-Amri has served as the Deputy CEO of Operations since 2021. He is responsible for overseeing and guiding the Authority’s strategic planning activities, monitoring the execution of its initiatives and projects, and leading organizational change. Additionally, he directs shared services operations, including Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Procurement, and Administrative Services. He also contributed to the launch of the Asir Region Development Strategy and its media plan.

Electricity Supply Reliability

The New Abha International Airport

Achievements

The Municipalities and Housing Sector

Achievements

Achievements:

Water Desalination Achievements:

He began his career in the private sector at Almarai Company, and later joined the Ministry of Economy and Planning after returning from studying and working at Ford Motor Company in the United States. During his tenure at the Ministry, he contributed to and served as Secretary-General for several ministerial committees, including those that founded the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, the National Competitiveness Center, and the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority. He also served as the Head of the Studies, Technology, and Innovation Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Planning. Subsequently, he moved to the Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority (EXPRO) to serve as the Director General for all Government Civil Sectors. Dr. Amr has represented the Kingdom in numerous meetings at the United Nations and UNESCO, and holds several board memberships and council seats.

University Campus

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), followed by a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He then obtained a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Management Systems from the United States.

Dr. Amr has received several awards, including the 'Best Graduate Student' at the university level. He also holds multiple professional certifications, including SSBB (Six Sigma Black Belt), ISO 9000 Auditor, and PMP (Project Management Professional).

Contact Details: Phone

Dr. Abdulqader bin Othman Amir has served as the Executive Director of the Planning and Development Sector since October 1, 2023. In this role, he oversees identifying development needs, infrastructure design processes, and establishing the master frameworks for land use and regional development. Additionally, he serves as the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Business and Technology (UBT) in Jeddah.

An expert in urban planning and design within both public and academic sectors, he served as a Professor and Chairman of the Department of City Planning and the Department of Architecture at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). In recent years, he transitioned to the municipal sector, serving two consecutive terms as the Assistant to the Mayor of Jeddah for Strategic and Urban Planning. He also worked as an Advisor to the Mayor of the Makkah Region for informal settlements (slum) development, subsequently becoming the Deputy Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs. Additionally, he held the position of Deputy CEO at Jeddah Urban Development Company.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in City Planning with Second-Class Honors from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in 1985. He then obtained a Master’s degree in City Planning and Urban Design from the University of Washington in 1989, and completed his Ph.D. in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, in 1998.

Responsibilities

Economic

Human

Land

Male population: approximately 1.3 million

The Second Industrial City enabler aims to allocate land for the Second Industrial City and commence operations that support the Asir Region Development Strategy, spanning an estimated area of 19.2 million $m^2$. This initiative seeks to empower the region's industrial sector, contribute to national economic diversification, fulfill the strategic objectives of the Asir Region, and provide the necessary infrastructure for light and medium industrial activities to meet local demand while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Area: about 81,000 square kilometers

The Abha International Airport enabler aims to launch a distinctive new airport featuring a world-class design that reflects the region's heritage and culture. The project targets an estimated capacity of 10 million passengers annually by the end of 2027, scaling up to 13 million passengers annually by the end of 2037.

Administrative divisions: 17 governorates

128 centers

Hospitals: 41

Executive management

The Health Sector enabler aims to develop and establish the King Faisal Medical City for the Southern Region (serving Asir, Jazan, Najran, and Al-Baha), with a total capacity of 1,024 beds and offering 15 medical specialties.

The Communications and Information Technology enabler aims to expand tower deployment and enhance internet speeds across the Asir Region.

The Power Grid Reliability enabler aims to reduce the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) to 1.21 interruptions per customer per year, and decrease the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) to 70 interruption minutes per customer per year."

The Municipalities and Housing Ecosystem enabler aims to stimulate housing supply, create a suitable residential environment for the region's residents and visitors, and increase the participation rate of developmental housing and community engagement.

Detailed information on the executive management of the Aseer Development Authority

Monitoring and overseeing power grid reliability support projects in the Asir Region

Priority is given to supporting the implementation of the nine strategic enablers, as they represent the most critical success factors for the strategy.

The road enabler aims to reactivate the Jeddah–Jazan and Asir–Jazan arterial road projects, and to monitor and oversee road projects, asphalted mountain pass (Aqabat) projects, and stalled projects in the region.

For Asir to be a leading global, year-round destination, inspiring everyone with the harmony between heritage and modernity, built on its core strengths of authenticity and nature.

Water Sector: The water sector enabler aims to eliminate the Asir Region’s desalinated water deficit, estimated at 110,000 cubic meters per day, while increasing water network coverage to 96% and sanitation (sewage) network coverage to 98% by 2030.

1. Prioritizing assets and their sustainability while developing for the future (Flexibility and Balance).

The University Campus enabler aims to align university outcomes with the Asir Region Development Strategy, complete the university campus project after a 23-year standstill, and allocate the current university campus (Gregar) for female students following the transfer of all male students to the new university campus.

The authority was established in 2018 under the name "High Commission for the Development of Aseer Region" before being later renamed to "Aseer Development Authority".

Conducting a comprehensive environmental survey and implementing monitoring systems.

Aseer Development Authority is organizationally linked to the Council of Ministers, in accordance with Article 3 of the Regulation of Regional and City Development Authorities issued by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 475 dated 05/07/1439H.

Preserving natural water resources and ensuring their sustainability.

In 2021, the Saudi Crown Prince launched the Asir Region Development Strategy under the theme 'Peaks and Valor' (Qimam and Shiyyam). The strategy aims to achieve a comprehensive developmental renaissance in the region and execute diverse investment projects valued at SAR 50 billion, transforming the region into a year-round global destination. The Authority oversees the implementation of this strategy, including the planning, design, and execution of its strategic programs and projects.

Implementing the Saudi Green Initiative at the regional level through the Asir Green Initiative for climate change adaptation.

The Authority’s guiding principles adopt a holistic approach that ensures the integrated coverage of economic, social, and environmental aspects. To achieve this, four guiding principles must be followed:

Empowering sustainable ecotourism in the Asir region.

2. Celebrating local cultural landmarks and placing a special emphasis on cultural richness.

Ensuring effective and smart management for environmental sustainability, and developing sustainable agricultural practices while promoting unique and premium products.

3. Working with and for the local community; engaging local people and ensuring they reap the benefits.

The Executive Management of Asir Development Authority

4. Preserving authenticity and bridging the gap between local culture and international or external tourists.

Eng. Hashim Al-Dabbagh, Acting CEO

Initiatives

Dr. Amr bin Hamoud Al-Amri, Deputy CEO of Operation

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Dr. Abdulqader bin Othman Ameer, Deputy CEO of the Technical Sector

We will provide economic opportunities backed by our unique assets (10 Initiatives):

Coordination with relevant entities to reactivate arterial road projects through the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP) and the Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority (EXPRO).

Monitoring and overseeing execution and maintenance projects to elevate the quality of mountain passes (Aqabat) and roads in the Asir Region.

Universities: 2

1. Designing and building the tourism experience in Abha and its tourism destinations.

Eliminating the Asir Region’s desalinated water supply deficit.

Increased the incoming desalinated water supply to the region to 122%.

Completed the water transmission system project from the Shuqaiq production plant to the city of Abha, with a capacity of 275,000 $m^3$/day.

Completed the water transmission system project from the Shuqaiq production plant to Tihamat Asir, with a capacity of 100,000 $m^3$/day.

1. Enhancing and marketing the identity, tourism offerings, and services in the Asir region.

Airports: 2

2. Developing tourism services and products in the Asir region.

1. The University Campus was executed through 31 projects with a total cost of approximately SAR 10 billion, supported by the Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority (EXPRO).
2. Constructed a university hospital with an 800-bed capacity.
3. Delivered a total of 18 educational buildings—encompassing scientific, humanities, and medical colleges—with a total capacity of up to 43,555 male and female students.
4. Constructed a central library covering an area of 36,000 square meters, with a capacity of 2,500 people.
5. Constructed a conference center covering an area of 2,100 square meters, with a capacity of 1,500 people.
6. Delivered a sports stadium covering an area of 61,551 square meters, with a seating capacity of 22,000 spectators.

4. Planning for tourism destinations (Al-Namas – Tanomah – Billasmar).

3. Ensuring the delivery of an exceptional visitor experience.

1. Issued the land allocation decree for the Second Industrial City.
2. Developed the first phase over an area of 2 million square meters.
3. Launched the Second Industrial City project in the Asir Region.
4. Commenced infrastructure works for road networks, the electrical grid, and water pipelines.
5. Provided the necessary support and coordinated with regional utility providers to complete the city's infrastructure projects.

5. Developing and launching programs aimed at capacity building for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in tourism-related sectors.

6. Supporting the development of the tourism sector through innovation.

1. Finalized the feasibility study and approved the project tendering, after a 13-year standstill.
2. Reactivated the project through the National Center for Privatization (NCP) with the support of the Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority (EXPRO).
3. Coordinated with regional utility providers to complete infrastructure projects for the Medical City and the regional Air Ambulance service.
4. Coordinated among healthcare providers in the region and completed the health transformation capacity and demand study, making Asir the first region in the Kingdom to do so.

7. Identifying and implementing a comprehensive investment plan for investment activities in the Asir region.

1. Activated the Kingdom's first local roaming service, making Asir the pioneer region in Saudi Arabia.
2. Increased the number of 4G towers from 1,930 to 2,396, and 5G towers from 0 to 569 by 2023.
3. Boosted internet speeds in the Asir Region from 23.45 Mbps to 141 Mbps by 2023.
4. Expanding fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) coverage to reach 122,000 households by 2030.

8. Developing and implementing an investment marketing plan for the Asir region to attract investors and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

9. Establishing a regional investment fund.

A connected community with rich values moving toward a prosperous future (6 Initiatives):

- Implementing capacity and competency development activities in the tourism sector.

1. Expanded the existing airport terminal to increase passenger capacity from 1.1 million to 1.6 million passengers annually.
2. Reactivated the New Abha Airport project through the National Center for Privatization (NCP).
3. Ranked second globally in the small airports category for On-Time Performance (OTP) in departures and arrivals.
4. Announced the master plan and architectural designs for the New Abha International Airport project.

- Designing and launching a talent acquisition and retention program.

- Conducting a preliminary study for the restoration and revitalization of cultural heritage sites.

1. Completed a number of real estate development projects across the region.
2. Completed the construction and distribution of 950 developmental housing units.
3. Monitored and oversaw the implementation of urban humanization and visual pollution remediation initiatives (urban landscape enhancement).

Overview of the Aseer Development Authority

- Showcasing the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Asir region.

Rehabilitating endangered wildlife and natural habitats. Category:Asir Category:Government agencies of Saudi Arabia Category:2018 establishments in Saudi Arabia