Saudi Arabia unveils plans for futuristic ski resort

Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for its first-ever year-round ski resort – a futuristic luxury super project in the mountains of the desert kingdom that will be 33 times the size of New York City.

TROJENA, which will have its own village, wellness resorts and an “interactive nature reserve,” will be part of a $500 billion city-state called NEOM.

NEOM, which is a combination of the Greek word for new, “neo,” and the Arabic word “mustaqbal,” or “future,” will spread across 10,000 square miles of Saudi Tabuk province in the north-western part of the country.

The project includes the construction of a giant artificial freshwater lake and a “vertical village in the mountain” known as the Vault. according to the Middle East Eye.

NEOM is located in one of the most mountainous regions in the country. Peaks in the region reach approximately 8,530 feet above sea level.

There are also plans to build “Slope Residences” – luxury villas that will overlook the artificial lake and its surroundings.

The project is expected to attract around 700,000 visitors and 7,000 permanent residents by 2030. It is scheduled to be completed by 2026.

The Saudi government expects the project to create 10,000 jobs and $800 million.

The NEOM website says the man-made village will “include bespoke experiences that combine reality and imagination”.

“TROJENA will redefine mountain tourism for the world by creating a place based on the principles of ecotourism and underscoring our efforts to conserve nature and improve the quality of life of the community,” said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in an explanation.

“[It] will be an important addition to tourism in the region, a unique example of how Saudi Arabia creates destinations based on its geographic and ecological diversity.”

The Saudi king has attempted to project the image of a modernizing kingdom despite the government’s repressive human rights record.