In one of the most ambitious infrastructure ventures of the 21st century, Saudi Arabia is building a $500 billion luxury ski resort in the heart of its desert as part of the futuristic NEOM megaproject. The resort, known as Trojena, is set to redefine global tourism by offering alpine skiing in a region known for scorching temperatures and sand dunes.
Trojena will feature year-round skiing, a man-made freshwater lake, luxurious hotels, wellness centers, and adventure sports, all powered by renewable energy. Located in the Tabuk region, the area’s elevation and cool winters have made it a suitable site for artificial snow production, allowing for a seamless winter sports experience.
The project has already attracted global attention for its bold vision. Once completed, Trojena is expected to host over 700,000 visitors annually and will be the official host of the 2029 Asian Winter Games, the first time the event will be held in a desert country.
Saudi officials describe the project as a symbol of Vision 2030, the kingdom’s initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil. “Trojena will be a global landmark of innovation, sustainability, and luxury,” said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
While the project is celebrated for its futuristic ambition, environmentalists and analysts have raised concerns about its ecological impact, cost, and scalability. However, Saudi Arabia maintains that Trojena will operate with minimal environmental disruption, relying entirely on clean energy and smart infrastructure.
Construction is well underway, with a target completion date of 2026, making Trojena one of the most anticipated and unprecedented tourism destinations in the world.
