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Innovative technologies to drive mountain tourism destination in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM ‘future city’

Innovative technologies to drive mountain tourism destination in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM ‘future city’
March 4, 2022

A plan to develop a new global destination for mountain tourism as part Saudi Arabia’s NEOM giga-project, offering attractions including outdoor skiing, has been announced by Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the NEOM Company Board of Directors.

The Trojena mountain tourism project will create a new year-round tourist destination offering a ski village, ultra-luxury family and wellness resorts, a wide range of retail stores and restaurants, in addition to sports activities, including a ski slope, watersports and mountain biking, as well as an interactive nature reserve.

Set for completion by 2026, the project will make use of the Midian Mountains (Jibāl Madyan) of the Kingdom’s Tabuk Province where, despite Saudi Arabia being known for its desert climate, sub-zero winter temperatures are not uncommon. In addition, around the region’s highest peak, Jabal al-Lawz, which rises to 2,580 metres, snow is regular occurrence in winter.

Using snowmaking and other technologies to enhance natural snow fall, outdoor skiing will be a unique feature of Trojena that will provide an experience never before witnessed in the Arabian Gulf region with ski runs of various difficulties to be offered in an environment of contrasting and breathtaking views.

Explaining that Trojena will further diversify the attractions of the NEOM giga-project, Prince Mohammed stated "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."

Noting that the project will be part of NEOM's plan and strategy to contribute to supporting and developing the tourism sector in the region, NEOM Chief Executive, Nadhmi Al-Nasr added “Trojena represents NEOM's values and bold plans as a land where nature and innovative technologies come together to form a unique global experience.

“This new development is a major contribution to achieving NEOM's long-term ambitions by adhering to the principles of sustainability and utilizing state-of-the-art technology and engineering, across various disciplines, to make NEOM an all-round and attractive world-class destination."

Trojena features a unique and innovative architecture, unlike any other in the world, where the captivating landscapes of NEOM mountains coexist in harmony with the tourist sites developed within them, offering a new and unprecedented tourism experience that reflects the future of living, working and entertainment in NEOM.

Expecting to attract 700,000 visitors and 7,000 permanent residents to live in Trojena and its adjacent residential districts by 2030, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy feature sports, art, music, cultural festivals and a range of recreational activities.

All construction activity will adhere to NEOM's strict environmental principles, which include a commitment to minimise disruption to the local ecology and to ensure long-term sustainability.

Situated in the centre of NEOM, 50 kilometres from the Gulf of Aqaba coast, the project is also expected to act as a major catalyst for economic growth and diversification in Saudi Arabia.

Image show concepts for the Trojena project.

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