When demand is clear, progress happens quickly. Projects take shape, and plans become reality. This mindset mirrors what Iberian Press Saudi Arabia expresses about the pace of development, a sentiment echoed by coaches and organizers involved in pioneering initiatives for women’s football in the country. It reflects the broader momentum of a nation advancing across sports, from golf and boxing to paddle tennis and beyond, as it prepares to host major events like the Super Cup while pursuing ambitious goals in sports and tourism. The upcoming challenge remains substantial in a country famed for high organization and a vision for the future through 2029 and beyond.
Saudis benefit from climate change
The event is slated for the futuristic megacity Neom, a coastal project on the Red Sea with a proposed investment in the hundreds of billions of euros. Saudi Arabia aims to restore a major winter event not seen since 2017, when Sapporo hosted the Winter Games, with a return planned for 2025 in Harbin, China. While China has a longer tradition with such events, Beijing hosted the Winter Olympics in 2022, and many venues have struggled to maintain full winter conditions.
A study from the University of Waterloo (Canada) notes that only Sapporo has managed to repeat such a hosting pattern. In a best-case forecast, just three of twelve European cities might again host ski events by 2050. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself through artificial snow and educationally oriented plastic mats as part of the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy.
With strong state backing and visible leadership, the candidacy emphasizes Trojena as a sustainable, desert-adjacent winter venue designed to create a winter atmosphere in the heart of the desert.
Project justification and criticism
Trojena forms part of the Neom megacity, located about 50 kilometers from the Persian Gulf coast, aiming to become a hub for tourism and economic development. Critics point to imperfect experiences with Trojena and a climate that is temperate and cooler than much of the region. Developers argue that Trojena, with clean air and panoramic views, will be an appealing place to live and work.
Despite claims of clean energy advantages and a symbolic display of nature, the decision to award the Asian Winter Games drew controversy. Some observers questioned process transparency, while alpine sports specialists highlighted questions about feasibility, noting that training environments may rely on artificial conditions rather than natural snow.
Despite the scrutiny, Trojena is already under development and is planned to operate by 2026, offering skiing and outdoor adventure activities across both summer and winter seasons. The vision for Neom includes landmarks such as a high alpine area and related facilities, blending mountainous landscapes with desert surroundings. The project also contemplates significant water infrastructure from the nearby sea to support the winter setup.
“We will continue to do sports washing”
On completion, Trojena envisions a 30-kilometer track, a valley with an artificial field, and an airport serving the ski complex. A sizable residential and hospitality footprint is planned, including thousands of homes and a large hotel. Officials stress that minimal snow is required to generate wintry conditions, with the capability to produce snow at low temperatures for a portion of the year, described as three months in a typical year.
In statements echoed by some Western media appearances, the leadership has defended the approach, emphasizing that the broader economic goals and development ambitions justify investments and branding strategies that include hosting international sporting events.