Year – Round Desert ski from Saudis

NEOM, Saudi Arabia –

The oil and desert Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has started work building a ski and mountain resort in the desert mountains by the Red Sea.

The ambitious project, due for completion next year, will make a resort village at Trojena amid its year-round ski runs of NEOM, adjoining the coast.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, chairman of the NEOM company, said that Trojena would be a new global destination for mountain tourism, and contribute to supporting and developing the region's tourism.

His Royal Highness said: “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, which is aligned with the goals of the kingdom’s Vision 2030. And confirms our commitment to protect the environment.

“Trojena will be an important addition to tourism in the region, a unique example of how Saudi Arabia is creating destinations based on its geographical and environmental diversity. This forward-looking vision will ensure that mountain tourism will be another revenue stream to support the Kingdom’s economic diversification while still preserving its natural resources for future generations.”

NEOM chief executive Nadhmi Al-Nasr commented: “Our ski runs will be for amateurs and professionals alike who will be able to enjoy the many ski runs and breathtaking views, and our year-round tourist destination will have a ski village, ultra-luxury family and wellness resorts, plus shops and restaurants and water sports and mountain biking, as well as an interactive nature reserve. All set for completion by 2026.

Trojena will feature sports, art, music, cultural festivals and a range of recreational activities, attracting 700,000 visitors and 7,000 permanent residents in its adjacent residential districts by 2030.

Highlights include the all-year ski village; a man-made freshwater lake, ‘the Bow’ Hotel, an architectural masterpiece that will offer an unrivalled hotel experience; and the Vault, a vertical village within the mountain with a fusion of technology, entertainment and hospitality facilities that will provide the main gateway into Trojena. 

The development will also include near-slope residences,’as well as luxurious mansions with panoramic mountain views.