Saudi Arabia’s Futuristic Desert Megacity To Host Next Asian Winter Games 

The Saudi Arabian desert and mountains are set to be the backdrop of the next Asian Winter Games. 
 
After bidding in Phnom Penh this past Tuesday, the decision was reached by unanimous vote, and it was decided that the country’s yet-to-be-built desert megacity, Neom, would host the games.
 
The desert may not seem ideal for holding a sporting event themed around winter. Still, according to the panel, within the city of Neom is an area called Trojena where temperatures can drop below 32°F and the surrounding area is always at a balmy temperature that is always 10°F lower than average temperatures. 
 
Trojena is one of 10 special areas in Neom and is situated near the Gulf of Aqaba. Unfortunately, the area receives the least amount of rainfall, which could be a crucial factor in the games. 
 
Neom is slated to be completed by 2026. Trojena is meant to be a winter getaway in the desert as the area is said to have year-round skiing, chalets, lakes, and hotels. 
 
The Asian Winter Games began in 1986 in Sapporo, Japan, which first brought up the idea of the event. The games host events such as figure skating, ice hockey, skiing, and snowboarding.

Traditionally, the games have been hosted in countries that experience different seasons, such as China, Korea, and Kazakhstan. This will be the first time the games head deep into the hot and arid deserts of the Middle East. 
 
 
 
[via Interesting Engineering and South China Morning Post, cover image via Neom]