Saudi Arabia have won the rights to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, in a venue that doesn’t exist yet. The Gulf State has planned their Neom project, worth £440 billion, in order to construct the infrastructure needed to host the games.
Neom will be a 26,500 sq km high-tech development on the Red Sea. Moreover, it will also include a zero carbon city called ‘The Line’, which will also feature areas for industrial and logistical use.
Saudi Arabia to host 2029 Asian Winter Games
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Neom project aims to reduce their dependence on oil for revenue, and transform the economy. One of the main points of emphasis is by focusing on sports.
Like The Line, Trojena will be situated in northwestern Saudi Arabia. It will feature year-round skiing, a man-made freshwater lake, chalets, villas, and ultra-luxury hotels. The ultra-modern city is expected to be complete by 2026.
However, the decision for Saudi Arabia to hold the 2029 Asian Winter Games has been made without consulting the IOC.
“The IOC was not consulted about the OCA decision with regard to the Asian Winter Games and was not involved in the decision-making process,” an IOC spokesperson said.
“As far as the IOC is concerned, sustainability is a key pillar of Olympic Agenda 2020+5,” the official told Reuters in reference to the IOC’s Olympic Games reform plan aimed at reducing costs and the size of the Olympics to make them more attractive to potential future host cities.
