Saudi Arabia’s Aim to Host 2029 Asian Winter Games in Doubt
25th August 2025
Last modified on August 27th, 2025
It is unlikely the necessary new ski resort will be built in time, and it is reported South Korea might be able to hold the event. UPDATED
Saudi Arabia was awarded the Games in 2022, but it appears to be having major problems constructing the winter resort it promised.
It was to have a futuristic alpine village, a large artificial lake and slopes that would rely on artificial snow.
We reported on its interest back in August 2022:
And then two months later when the announcement was made:
The area is 2,600m above sea level and was due to have 30km of ski runs available between December and March each year.
It receives some snow in winter, but the resort would need to rely on man-made snow.
That snow will be produced from water pumped from the Gulf of Aqaba, which is 200km away.
The information comes in a new report by the Financial Times.
The Asian Winter Games are a key ambition for Saudi Arabia and the kingdom has publicly said that construction within Trojena project is continuing according to a phased plan.
It has not made any public statement about being unable to complete the project and passing on the Games to South Korea.
“NEOM and the Local Organising Committee are working in close coordination with the Olympic Council of Asia and the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Any further questions on the Asian Winter Games should be directed to the OCA,” a NEOM spokesperson told the Reuters news agency when asked about delays to the project.
There has been some opposition to the project:
Saudi Arabia has been hit by a fall in crude oil prices, which currently sit at around $66 per barrel.
Saudi Arabia will also host the 2034 Fifa World Cup, and the 2030 World Expo.
Both events will require significant investment and commentators believe the kingdom may have to scale back other grand projects.
There is some speculation that Harbin in China could take on the Games if South Korea is uninterested.
Saudi Arabia may then host the Asian Winter Games four years later in 2033.
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