Saudi Arabia Postpones 2029 Asian Winter Games Amid Construction Challenges

Saudi Arabia's Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have announced the indefinite postponement of the 2029 Asian Winter Games, which were scheduled to take place in the Trojena ski resort, part of the ambitious NEOM mega-project. This decision, made public on January 24, 2026, follows extensive consultations between the two organizations, although no specific reasons for the delay were provided.

Saudi Arabia's 2029 Asian Winter Games hosting postponed2029 Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia postponedSaudi Arabia, Olympic Council Delay 2029 Asian Winter Games

The NEOM project, a $500 billion initiative aimed at creating a futuristic city in northwestern Saudi Arabia, includes plans for Trojena, a ski resort designed to offer year-round skiing in a region with limited natural snowfall. The resort was initially expected to be completed by 2026, but reports indicate significant construction delays and logistical challenges, including difficulties in creating sufficient artificial snow and managing complex topography.

Saudi Arabia’s unlikely 2029 Asian Winter Games now postponed indefinitely, OCA confirms

The postponement of the Asian Winter Games represents a setback for Saudi Arabia's aspirations to establish itself as a major sports hub. The kingdom is also preparing to host the 2030 World Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, events that require substantial infrastructure investments. The decision to delay the Games has raised concerns about the feasibility of meeting these ambitious timelines, particularly in light of lower oil prices impacting the kingdom's revenues.

Saudi Arabia, Olympic Council Delay 2029 Asian Winter Games

In a joint statement, the Saudi Olympic Committee and the OCA emphasized their commitment to developing winter sports in Saudi Arabia and the West Asia region. They noted that the postponement would allow for a series of standalone winter sports events in the coming years, aimed at promoting winter sports and developing a stronger pipeline of athletes.

Saudi Arabia's 2029 Asian Winter Games hosting postponed

The decision to host the Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia had previously faced criticism from environmentalists and sports figures who questioned the sustainability of hosting winter sports in a desert environment. Concerns were raised about the ecological impact and the practicality of the planned venue, given the region's climatic conditions.

Saudi Arabia postpones 2029 Asian Winter Games at futuristic NEOM project

While the official statement did not specify the reasons for the postponement, sources indicated that construction challenges at Trojena were significant factors. Reports from August 2025 suggested that Saudi Arabia had approached South Korea and China as potential hosts for the Games, reflecting ongoing uncertainties regarding the project's viability.

Saudi Arabia, Olympic Council Delay 2029 Asian Winter Games

As Saudi Arabia reassesses its development projects, the kingdom is expected to negotiate a new date for the Asian Winter Games. Meanwhile, the focus will shift to hosting smaller winter sports events to cultivate a winter sports culture in the region and prepare for future competitions.

Saudi Arabia's 2029 Asian Winter Games hosting postponed

• “extensive consultations between the two organizations and reflects a shared strategic commitment to the long-term and sustainable development of winter sports in Saudi Arabia and across the West Asia region.” — Olympic Council of Asia

Saudi Arabia postpones 2029 Asian Winter Games at futuristic NEOM project

• “Instead, Saudi Arabia “will host a series of standalone winter sports events in the coming years,” as statement by OCA read, suggesting that this will give the Kingdom time to ramp up a winter sports culture in the region and more time to prepare for a Games.” — Source at the Saudi Olympic Committee

Saudi Arabia’s unlikely 2029 Asian Winter Games now postponed indefinitely, OCA confirms