Trojena: What We Know About the Spectacular New Mountain Destination in Saudi Arabia

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Updated February 2024

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is set to develop a unique year-round mountain-centric destination named Trojena in the Kingdom by the year 2026. The development of this new global destination for mountain tourism was first announced by the Saudi Crown Prince and Chairman of NEOM (a future planned city to be built in the Tabuk province of northwestern Saudi Arabia), Mohammed bin Salman on 3 March 2022.

Keep reading to know more about this unique year-round mountain centric destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

What is KSA’s new attraction Trojena?

An initiative to develop the tourism sector in the region, NEOM (New Enterprise Operating Model) has planned to create Trojena as the first major outdoor skiing destination that will offer year-round outdoor skiing and mesmerizing adventure sports, including water sports, hiking, mountain biking and more. This key factor will provide a unique experience and is something that will be witnessed for the first time in the Gulf countries known for their desert climates.

Goals of this development

As stated by the Saudi Crown Prince and Chairman of NEOM, Mohammed bin Salman, Trojena is a development that will redefine mountain tourism for the world by creating a place based on the principles of ecotourism, highlighting the efforts to preserve nature and enhance the community’s quality of life, aligned with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Set to be completed by 2026, around 7,000 people are expected to settle in Trojena and its adjacent residential districts, hoping to attract at least 700,000 visitors by 2030. Hence, as assured by the Crown Prince himself, the forward-looking vision will ensure mountain tourism as another revenue stream to support the Kingdom’s economic diversification while preserving its natural resources for future generations.

Trojena location

Trojena will be located 50 kilometers from the Gulf of Aqaba coast, with elevations ranging from 1,500 meters to 2,600 meters and covering an area of nearly 60 square kilometers.

Trojena weather

Trojena will have sub-zero winter temperatures with a year-round moderate climate. Therefore, the weather in Trojena will be cooler on average than the rest of NEOM’s region. With this fresh and cool temperature, Trojena is built to be an ideal place for alpine and adventure sports.

Trojena construction

Providing an unrivaled experience and a global landmark for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and with its clean, fresh air and stunning views, Trojena will be not only a mesmerizing place to visit but also a magical place to live and work. The development is going to be the first major outdoor skiing destination that will offer year-round outdoor skiing and adventure sports like water sports, hiking and mountain biking.

The construction of Trojena will comprise six clusters, including Gateway, Discover, Valley, Explore, Relax and Fun. Each cluster is carefully designed with a different focus, from leisure, alpine sports and water activities to wellness, wildlife exploration and stargazing. Moreover, A 330-meter-tall skyscraper will be built in the Trojena ski resort as the symbol of Trojena. It will be located on a mountain overlooking a central artificial lake with a lookout pavilion next to it.

Some other highlights include a gorgeous man-made freshwater lake, The Bow Hotel and The Vault, a vertical village fusing technology, entertainment and hospitality within the mountain. Furthermore, the year-round skiing destination, Trojena , on completion, will also include a broad range of apartments, chalets, mansions, ultra-luxury and experiential hotels, wellness and family resorts.

Additionally, there will be a wide range of retail, leisure and dining options. Therefore, the unique destination will provide extraordinary opportunities for residents and visitors looking for luxury, adventure, entertainment, livability and escape from the everyday.

As of now, NEOM has signed a deal with Ennismore, the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, corresponding with NEOM’s Hotel Development’s main goal of establishing global partnerships. The inaugural tie-up will see two of Ennismore’s iconic brands – 25 Hours Hotels and Morgans Originals open properties in Trojena. Furthermore, Marriot International will also establish its properties in Trojena, which include the premier W Hotel and a JW Marriott Hotel.

Asian Winter Games 2029 at Trojena

Saudi has been elected to be the host of the 2029 Asian Winter Games that will be held in the Trojena sports city. This election was held at the 41st OCA General Assembly on 4 October 2022 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Saudi Arabia will become the first country in the Middle East to host the games. Over 32 Asian countries are expected to participate in the games while competing in events like ice hockey, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, biathlon and figure skating.

*All images courtesy of NEOM