Exceptional tourism projects are popping up all over the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. And the Kingdom’s latest mission is to open the very first outdoor ski resort in the GCC. Called Trojena, it will be a global year-round destination for mountain tourism, offering a variety of ski runs, as well as other outdoor activities and countless facilities. Situated in the the centre of NEOM, the sustainable megacity project in Tabuk, the new tourist hub is earmarked for completion by 2026 and has been forecast to attract 700,000 ski and adventure holiday enthusiasts every year by 2030.
“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,” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is the Chairman of the NEOM Company Board of Directors, said.
Covering a total area of 26,500 km2, Trojena, comprising of the Gateway, Discover, Valley, Explore, Relax and Fun districts, is set to be fully eco-friendly thanks to the use of solar power. All construction will abide by NEOM’s commitment to minimise disturbance to the local ecology and ensure long-term sustainability. The Vault is a folded vertical village, “a portal that connects the physical and the digital,” and there will be a wealth of world-class entertainment and hospitality facilities, including ultra-luxury family and wellness resorts and a selection of stores and restaurants. The Bow Hotel, described as “an architectural masterpiece that will offer an unrivalled hotel experience,” and the slope-side homes overlooking a man-made freshwater lake are also on the list of enticing features. The homes called ‘Slope Residences’ and other luxury mansions with panoramic views are being built with the hopes of attracting 7,000 permanent residents.
Wake up to breathtaking views of nature, unleash your adventurous side on the ski slopes, wind down at the world-class wellness spa and gaze at the stars and galaxies in all their glory.
— NEOM (@NEOM) March 3, 2022
It’s the land of the future and it's coming to NEOM.#TROJENA #NEOM pic.twitter.com/Y6bnkeVYde
As well as the ski slopes, visitors will have the chance to enjoy various sports activities, including watersports, mountain biking and hiking. Tourists will also be able to visit the interactive nature reserve. In addition, Trojena, which is expected to create over 10,000 jobs and add SR3bn to the kingdom’s GDP by 2030, will provide amenities to support sports, art, music and cultural festivals and a range of recreational activities.
Located 50km from the Gulf of Aqaba coast, the region is characterised by a mountain range with the highest peaks in Saudi Arabia at approximately 2,600 metres above sea level. In winter, temperatures drop to zero-degrees at night, while day-time temperatures are 10-degrees lower than other cities in the region.
