Saudi Arabia’s Trojena: Hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games in the Desert
How Saudi Arabia’s visionary Trojena ski resort will transform sport, sustainability, and tourism in the heart of the desert.
Saudi Arabia’s Bold Leap: Trojena to Host the 2029 Asian Winter Games
In a historic move, Saudi Arabia has been awarded the rights to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games at Trojena, a futuristic mountain resort within the NEOM megaproject. This marks the first time a country in West Asia will welcome the prestigious multi-sport event, setting the stage for a new era in global winter sports and redefining what’s possible when innovation meets ambition.
The Unprecedented Choice: Winter Games in the Desert
Saudi Arabia’s selection as host has ignited a wave of global interest—and skepticism—due to its predominantly arid desert climate. Traditionally, the Asian Winter Games have been held in snowy regions of East and Central Asia. Yet, the kingdom’s pitch centered on Trojena, a region with unique climatic advantages, caught the attention of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the international sporting community.
- First time in West Asia: The 2029 edition will be the inaugural instance of the event outside its traditional snowy host countries.
- Innovation at its core: Trojena promises not just winter sports, but sustainable, forward-thinking tourism and infrastructure.
- Part of a global trend: As climate change challenges existing winter host sites, new technological solutions are emerging in unexpected places.
Introducing Trojena: Vision and Innovation in NEOM
Trojena is not merely a ski resort. Encompassing around 60 square kilometers in northwestern Saudi Arabia, the site sits at an elevation of roughly 2,600 meters, providing a climate unlike most of the kingdom, with winter temperatures dipping as low as -5°C and a natural snowfall window of up to three months each year.
As a central component of NEOM—a $500 billion city-building project intended to redefine the future of urban living—Trojena exemplifies a new paradigm of sustainable tourism, luxury, and technological advancement.
- Strategic accessibility: Trojena is within six hours’ flight for 40% of the world’s population, located at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Architectural inspiration: Designed to blend into the mountainous landscape, the resort aims for minimal environmental disruption.
- Sustainability pledge: NEOM’s vision emphasizes renewable energy, water conservation, and eco-friendly operations.
What Awaits in Trojena?
- Ski slopes and snow parks
- Luxury hotels and residences
- Adventure and wellness centers
- Cultural venues and year-round entertainment
Saudi Arabia’s Bid: Ambition, Support, and Global Impact
The triumph of Saudi Arabia’s bid highlights strong governmental backing and a determination to position the nation on the global sporting stage. The support of Saudi leadership, including HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was pivotal. The NEOM CEO, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, and the President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, have both emphasized this achievement as marking a transformative chapter in Saudi Arabia’s international engagement and soft power strategy.
- Saudi Arabia will also host the Asian Games in 2034 and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2025, both in Riyadh.
- This sequence underlines the kingdom’s aspirations to become a hub for international sports and events.
Challenges and Controversies
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While the selection of Trojena is visionary, it raises significant questions. How will Saudi Arabia create ski slopes and maintain winter sports conditions in a region famous for searing heat? What are the environmental costs of such an undertaking?
- Climate obstacles: The majority of Saudi Arabia experiences summer temperatures above 45°C, reaching up to 50°C in several regions. Trojena’s unique microclimate makes it feasible, but artificial snow and advanced cooling may be needed to supplement natural snowfall, raising sustainability concerns.
- Construction and readiness: As of 2025, much of Trojena is still under development. Meeting deadlines for world-class venues by 2029 will be a test of logistical prowess.
- Global debate: Critics argue that hosting winter games in a desert, even with advanced technology, challenges the spirit of winter sports and potentially moves away from environmental stewardship.
Redefining Winter Sports: Technology and Sustainability at Trojena
Organizers present Trojena not just as an engineering marvel, but as a symbol of sustainable development in the 21st century. NEOM’s sustainability agenda includes 100% renewable energy for all infrastructure, integrated water recycling and conservation, and seamless natural integration.
- Renewable energy: Trojena will draw from vast solar and wind resources, aiming for carbon neutrality.
- Water management: State-of-the-art desalination, water recycling, and snowmaking technologies will minimize water use.
- Eco-centered design: Natural terrain is leveraged wherever possible, and construction uses sustainable materials.
Trojena’s promise, should it be realized, is to set new standards for sustainable sports tourism—if successfully implemented, it may offer insights to other regions facing climate challenges.
Main Attractions: Trojena’s Dual Role as Sport and Tourism Magnet
Beyond winter sports, Trojena is envisioned as a top-tier luxury destination, attracting visitors year-round with a variety of attractions, adventure opportunities, and cultural offerings:
- Snow Park: For skiing, snowboarding, and ice activities, both during the natural snowfall season and with advanced snowmaking.
- The Lake: An artificial freshwater lake for summer and winter recreation, water sports, and special events.
- Wellness Zones: Spas, resorts, and wellness facilities, focused on physical and mental well-being.
- Adventure Sports: Year-round activities like mountain biking, hiking, and zip-lining.
- Cultural Venues: Museums, galleries, and interactive exhibitions that showcase local heritage and innovation.
International Reaction and Regional Significance
The OCA’s decision has generated enthusiasm across the Gulf and wider Middle East, viewed as recognition of Saudi Arabia’s “enormous potential and outstanding infrastructure.” Neighboring countries see Trojena’s success as a sign that the region can take a leading role in international sports and sustainable innovation, potentially reshaping its global reputation.
Looking Ahead: Trojena and the Future of Sports in Saudi Arabia
Preparations for the games are in full swing. A close collaboration between the government, NEOM developers, sports federations, and international experts is driving rapid progress. The goal: to not merely host another winter event, but to set a new standard for how sports, sustainability, and tourism can thrive together.
- Major infrastructure and hospitality expansions are underway, with plans to accommodate thousands of athletes and spectators.
- Long-term vision extends beyond the games: Trojena is expected to become a permanent global tourism and sports destination.
- Education and local engagement programs are being launched, inspiring Saudi youth and fostering regional sporting culture.
FAQs: Saudi Arabia, Trojena, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games
Q: How is it possible to hold winter games in Saudi Arabia’s climate?
A: The selected region, Trojena, is located 2,600 meters above sea level in the northwestern mountains, where winter temperatures drop to -5°C and natural snowfall is common for up to three months a year. State-of-the-art snowmaking and cooling technology will supplement natural conditions for a reliable event.
Q: What events will be included in the 2029 Asian Winter Games at Trojena?
A: The event is expected to feature a full roster of winter sports, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, figure skating, and new disciplines that can make use of the resort’s advanced facilities.
Q: Are there environmental concerns with building Trojena?
A: Sustainability is a core claim of NEOM and Trojena, with pledged use of renewable energy, eco-friendly materials, water conservation strategies, and integration into the natural landscape. However, there remain critics who question the full ecological impact of such an ambitious project in the desert.
Q: What does this mean for Saudi Arabia’s global image?
A: Hosting the Asian Winter Games—and other upcoming international sports events—demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be seen as a global leader in innovation, sport, and sustainable tourism while diversifying beyond its oil-based economy.
Q: When will Trojena be ready for visitors and athletes?
A: Major phases of construction are scheduled for completion in the years leading up to 2029, aligning with the opening of the Winter Games. Many amenities are expected to become accessible to the public in advance for testing and to build global excitement.
Trojena 2029 Asian Winter Games: Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 10th Asian Winter Games |
| Location | Trojena, NEOM, Saudi Arabia |
| Date | 2029 |
| Why Notable | First Winter Games in West Asia and in a desert country |
| Size of Resort | ~60 square kilometers |
| Elevation | ~2,600 meters (8,530 feet) |
| Projected Visitors | Thousands of athletes, officials, and international tourists |
| Sustainability Focus | 100% renewable energy, water conservation, ecological integration |
| Legacy Goals | Permanent luxury tourism and sports destination, sustainability showcase |
Conclusion: Rewriting the Rules for Sports and Sustainability
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2029 Asian Winter Games at Trojena represents a genuine disruption to the world’s assumptions about geography, climate, sport, and innovation. By reimagining the possibilities for winter sports amid the sands and mountains of Arabia, the kingdom signals its willingness to lead on both the sporting field and the path toward sustainable, inclusive global tourism. While challenges remain, Trojena’s journey promises to be as compelling and transformative as the event itself.
References
- https://oca.asia/news/3407-oca-awards-asian-winter-games-2029-to-saudi-arabia.html
- https://equalocean.com/news/2025021821325
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui-4XCAHyrY
- https://soulofsaudi.com/10th-asian-winter-games/
- https://www.dezeen.com/2025/08/27/neom-trojena-saudi-arabia-ski-resort-asian-winter-games/
- https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250825-olympic-council-of-asia-says-saudi-winter-games-on-schedule
- https://www.snowindustrynews.com/articles/2025/august/trojena-delays-cast-doubt-on-saudi-arabia-s-2029-asian-winter-games-plans/
- https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2261984
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