Saudi Arabia has been officially selected to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games in NEOM’s Trojena, marking the first time the event will take place in West Asia. The announcement was made during the Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) General Assembly meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where the Saudi bid received unanimous approval.
Trojena: A Vision for Winter Sports in the Desert
Trojena, a year-round winter sports complex currently under construction, is a key component of the ambitious NEOM project. Located approximately 50 kilometers inland from the Gulf of Aqaba, Trojena spans 60 square kilometers at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,600 meters. The region is characterized by winter temperatures that drop below zero and is generally 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding areas, making it an ideal location for winter sports.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, Trojena aims to redefine mountain tourism by offering a range of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and adventure sports. The development will feature luxury chalets, mansions, ultra-luxury hotels, and a five-meter-deep manmade lake filled with desalinated seawater. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has stated that Trojena “will redefine mountain tourism for the world by creating a place based on the principles of ecotourism, highlighting our efforts to preserve nature and enhance the community’s quality of life.”
Saudi Arabia:A Milestone for Saudi Sports
The successful bid to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games is a significant achievement for Saudi Arabia’s sports sector and aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating that it is “a great victory for the Saudi nation and the people of the Gulf countries.” He emphasized that the event will showcase Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and capability to host international sports competitions.
The 2029 Asian Winter Games are expected to feature 47 events—28 on snow and 19 on ice—including disciplines such as skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, and figure skating. The selection of Trojena as the host site underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to diversifying its economy and promoting tourism through large-scale projects.
Challenges and Commitments
Hosting the Asian Winter Games in a desert country presents unique challenges, particularly concerning environmental sustainability and resource management. The construction of artificial ski slopes and the maintenance of winter sports facilities in a region with minimal natural snowfall have raised concerns about energy consumption and environmental impact.
In response, NEOM’s CEO, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, has highlighted the project’s commitment to sustainability, stating that Trojena will have “suitable infrastructure to create the winter atmosphere in the heart of the desert, to make the Winter Games in Trojena an unprecedented global event.” The development plans include the use of renewable energy sources and innovative technologies to minimize environmental impact.
Looking Ahead
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, the focus will be on completing the Trojena project on schedule and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the event. This milestone reflects the Kingdom’s broader efforts to position itself as a hub for international sports and tourism, contributing to the diversification of its economy and the promotion of cultural exchange.
The successful hosting of the Asian Winter Games will not only showcase Saudi Arabia’s capabilities in organizing large-scale international events but also pave the way for future opportunities in the global sports arena.
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