Saudi Arabia Faces Host Uncertainty for 2029 Winter Games

Delegates from the Olympic Council of Asia have begun formal outreach to other nations after construction setbacks at Trojena—the purpose-built mountain resort in Neom—cast doubt on its readiness to stage the 2029 Asian Winter Games. South Korea’s Olympic body confirmed receipt of a formal letter from the OCA, though Saudi and OCA officials maintain they are working closely on the project. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have been informally approached by Saudi representatives to explore hosting the event.

Trojena forms the winter sports core of Neom, a $500 billion megaproject from the Public Investment Fund designed under Vision 2030 to diversify the kingdom’s economy. Equipped with artificial ski slopes, an alpine-style village, and an engineered water system—including a lake fed by desalinated Gulf of Aqaba water—it was initially projected for completion by 2026.

Yet the terrain’s steep gradients and limited road access are significantly slowing progress. Contractors are restricted to installing just one tension cable per day in the Vault, the mountain-embedded hospitality complex. At that rate, constructing the basic Vault structure could exceed eight years—far beyond the timeline needed for the Games. The desalination plant intended to power artificial snowmaking remains unbuilt, forcing reliance on tanker trucks.

With these engineering hurdles and budget overruns mounting, internal discussions are underway in Riyadh to consider alternate hosts. South Korea and China are viewed as viable candidates given their infrastructure and experience, especially after hosting recent high-profile winter sporting events. Saudi officials are reportedly contemplating deferring their hosting role to 2033, should the Games shift elsewhere.

The OCA retains ultimate authority over the Games’ venue, and by mid-August had taken steps to explore contingency options. Despite no formal statement from Neom or Saudi officials regarding delays, both affirm ongoing coordination with the OCA and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.