Unique tourism projects are continuing to thrive in the Middle East, and particularly Saudi Arabia, with the latest development set to be a global destination for mountain tourism within the masterplan of NEOM.
Dubbed TROJENA, the destination will be a new year-round mountain resort offering outdoor skiing with a number of ski runs – an experience never before offered in the Gulf countries which is akin to desert climates.
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TROJENA will offer facilities including a ski village, ultra-luxury family and wellness resorts, retail stores and restaurants, watersports and mountain biking, as well as an interactive nature reserve. It will also provide facilities to support other sports, art, music, cultural festivals and a range of recreational activities.
Key elements of the project include a man-made freshwater lake, and ‘The Bow’ hotel – billed as “an architectural masterpiece that will offer an unrivalled hotel experience”. There will also be a vertical village set within the mountain called ‘The Vault’, along with slope-side residences.
Situated in the centre of NEOM, 50 kilometres 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 cooler than other cities in the region.
“The blue waters of the Red Sea, beauty of the NEOM mountain ranges and the golden desert sand dunes will provide skiers a first-of-its-kind experience that combines these diverse environments with fun-filled and adventurous moments,” the office of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.
The Crown Prince, who is also the Chairman of NEOM, said: “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.
“It also confirms our commitment to be part of the global effort to protect the environment. TROJENA will be an important addition to tourism in the region, a unique example of how Saudi Arabia is creating destinations based on its geographical and environmental diversity.
“This forward-looking vision will ensure that mountain tourism will be another revenue stream to support the Kingdom’s economic diversification while still preserving its natural resources for future generations,” His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman said.
The project is earmarked for completion by 2026 and has been forecast to lure 700,000 visitors annually by 2030.
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.
It’s the land of the future and it’s coming to NEOM.🏔#TROJENA #NEOM pic.twitter.com/Y6bnkeVYde
— NEOM (@NEOM) March 3, 2022