Neom’s Desert Ski Resort Strains Saudi Prince’s $1.5 Trillion Plan

The article discusses the challenges faced by Trojena, a planned desert ski resort in Saudi Arabia's Neom project, a $1.5 trillion initiative led by Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). Trojena is set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, but the region's lack of significant snowfall poses a significant obstacle. The article highlights the technical and logistical hurdles involved in creating a viable ski resort in a desert environment. It notes that the resort's reliance on artificial snow and energy-intensive cooling systems raises concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. The article also questions the broader viability of Neom, MBS's ambitious plan to transform a remote desert area into a futuristic city, as Trojena's challenges underscore the difficulties in realizing the project's grand vision. The article suggests that Trojena's struggles may be a harbinger of the broader challenges facing the Neom initiative, which has faced criticism for its ambitious scope and potential impact on the local population.