Neom's Trojena Resort Secures Major Operations Deal as Delivery Timeline Faces Scrutiny

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Trojena mountain resort project has clinched a substantial $54 million facilities management contract, yet questions continue to mount regarding whether the ambitious winter sports destination can meet its 2029 Asian Winter Games hosting deadline.

Red Sea International, a Saudi modular building and services firm listed on Tadawul, has finalized a SAR203 million agreement with Italy-based construction giant Webuild to manage integrated facilities operations and maintenance across the Trojena development. The two-year arrangement, which encompasses both primary and support camp facilities for the Webuild dam construction efforts, will commence impacting financials in the first quarter of 2026, with services adhering to Neom’s established worker welfare standards.

The Growing Pressure Around Trojena’s Timeline

The contract announcement arrives amid persistent concerns about the project’s delivery feasibility. Reports of construction setbacks have fueled speculation that Saudi Arabia may struggle to complete Trojena in time for the 2029 winter competition. In fact, the Olympic Council of Asia reportedly explored alternative arrangements with South Korean officials, signalling potential contingencies should delays continue. Such concerns underscore the broader challenges of developing a winter sports complex in the Arabian Peninsula, where climate and logistics present inherent obstacles.

Understanding Trojena’s Scale and Ambition

Trojena represents a flagship component of Neom, the $500 billion giga-project championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman since its 2022 launch. The resort sprawls across more than 1,400 square kilometres at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,600 metres. Planners envision 30 kilometres of skiable terrain supported by an expansive artificial snow infrastructure, with water sourcing planned from locations over 200 kilometres away near the Gulf of Aqaba.

Strategic Shifts in Saudi Investment Priorities

The timing of this contract also reflects evolving priorities within Saudi Arabia’s investment landscape. The $1 trillion Public Investment Fund—the kingdom’s primary engine for delivering mega-projects like Neom—has recently signalled a recalibration of capital allocation. PIF leadership indicated that its 2026-2030 strategic framework, centring on six targeted “ecosystems,” would position Neom as a standalone priority area while encouraging the domestic private sector to assume greater investment responsibility.

Webuild’s Expanded Role in Saudi Arabia’s Future

Webuild continues cementing its position as a cornerstone infrastructure partner within the kingdom. Beyond the Trojena dam system and lake infrastructure, the Italian construction firm is simultaneously developing The Bow—an architectural landmark combining luxury hospitality with residential offerings—and leading the “Connector” high-speed rail initiative linking Oxagon to The Line across 57 kilometres. Additional Webuild commitments include Riyadh Metro Line 3 and ongoing contracts within the Diriyah development zone.