New Artificial Lake (Mountain of NEOM), Artificial Lake (Trojena), & Artificial Lakes, to be built in the Trojena Mountains, that will be 2,000 meters high, within the NEOM project and 2.8 kilometres long. While the original engineering plan for this new destination required 3 dams to create a continuous body of water, as of late March 2026, NEOM has issued a ‘termination for convenience’ to the lead contractors, effectively suspending the primary dam construction at 30 per cent completion.
The Olympics Council of Asia (OCA) has announced that the location of the Winter 2029 Olympics has been moved from Trojena, via NEOM, Saudi Arabia, to Almaty, Kazakhstan, because the original construction schedule has been delayed and due to the OCA’s need to update their construction goals for NEOM and ‘pragmatic recalibration’ of construction goals and priorities associated with the construction of the new main road connecting Baraka and Trojena.
Although the athletes will no longer be going to Trojena to compete in the Winter 2029 Olympics, the New Construction project remains a key element of Vision 2030 for Saudi Arabia and seeks to establish a new definition of sustainable/high-quality mountain tourism by using innovative hydraulic engineering techniques and utilising renewable energy. Despite the strategic pause in dam construction, the kingdom maintains its ambition to create a year-round destination that harmonizes luxury infrastructure with the rugged desert landscape.
The three-dam system planned for Trojena’s artificial lake
Trojena’s key feature is an artificial lake, designed to sit over 2,000 meters above sea level and stretch approximately 2.8 kilometers. Due to limited natural water resources in the region, engineers initially proposed an innovative hydraulic system that would supply a steady flow of water using three separate dam structures. However, after a budget review in March 2026, the $4.7 billion dam construction contract was canceled, putting the lake project on hold.
These dams were intended to support large volumes of water at high altitude, forming a dependable reservoir. Beyond functionality, the lake was also expected to enhance the visual appeal of the mountain resort while providing a foundational layer for infrastructure. It would have supported residential development along the lakeside and contributed to the area’s unique climate conditions.
Shift in 2029 Asian Winter Games location and project adjustments
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has revised its plans for the 2029 Asian Winter Games. Instead of being hosted in Trojena (NEOM), the event will now take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This decision was officially confirmed in February 2026 when OCA signed a Host City Contract with Almaty, following a reassessment of construction priorities and the suspension of major infrastructure projects in Trojena.
As a result, planners are now focusing on developing long-term infrastructure, especially improving regional connectivity. This includes prioritizing the main transportation routes linking Baraka and Trojena. With no immediate pressure to meet Olympic deadlines, the Kingdom can ensure that transport and utility systems are built to meet high standards suitable for a lasting global destination.
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