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Trojena, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic mountain ski resort and the centerpiece of the world’s largest construction project, is racing to finish in time for the 2029 Asian Winter Games. However, ongoing reports of delays and uncertainty about its completion cast doubt on whether it will be ready.
Newsweek has reached out to Neom for comment.
### Why It Matters
The scale and ambition of Neom—and Trojena within it—pose a global test of Saudi Arabia’s ability to execute megaprojects, especially in the desert. Delays and other challenges risk undermining the kingdom’s political and economic rebranding, raising questions about the feasibility of its massive investment strategy.
### What To Know
According to a Financial Times report, Saudi officials have discussed relocating the 2029 Asian Winter Games to South Korea or China due to delays in Trojena. The resort is located atop Jebel al Lawz in northwest Saudi Arabia at over 8,500 feet and will feature approximately 18 miles of ski slopes, a dozen hotels, shops, restaurants, and a massive man-made lake holding up to 15 billion gallons of water.
Philip Gullett, executive director of Neom’s Trojena, states that the resort is expected to rely heavily on artificial snow but may also use natural snow due to its high altitude. Other challenges include pumping enough water up the mountain to create the planned lake, producing sufficient artificial snow, and managing construction in high-altitude areas with complex terrain.
### What People Are Saying
A source familiar with the matter told The Financial Times: “They are trying to do something that’s never been done before and they are committed to doing it right. A project like this is going to be a real challenge for everybody, but they are working through it.”
Neom stated in an August 18 Bloomberg report: “The development of Neom, including Trojena, is progressing according to a phased plan that emphasizes international standards, long-term sustainability, and legacy outcomes. Work on Trojena continues as planned.”
### What Happens Next
Those overseeing the project may consider scaling back or amending certain elements to ensure commitments are met, given close scrutiny of progress.
