Saudi Arabia's ambitious bid to host the Asian winter games

[MIDDLE EAST] Saudi Arabia has been chosen to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, an event set to unfold in the country’s futuristic $500 billion megacity, Neom. As the world watches with keen interest, the desert kingdom, where temperatures rarely dip below zero, faces questions about how it plans to execute a winter sports event. The challenge ahead is monumental, but Saudi officials remain confident, with plans already in motion to build artificial snow and state-of-the-art facilities that will transform the region’s landscape into a winter sports hub.

While Saudi Arabia's bid to host the Asian Winter Games has been met with controversy, it also highlights the kingdom's push to diversify its economy, showcase its progress, and gain international recognition for its growing sports industry. As the 2025 Asian Winter Games unfold in China, Saudi officials are in attendance, keenly observing and learning from the event’s successful execution to ensure they can replicate a similar feat in the desert.

Saudi Arabia’s Bold Vision for the 2029 Asian Winter Games

The selection of Saudi Arabia as the next host for the Asian Winter Games has stirred considerable debate. The decision has been criticized by several quarters, with Olympic downhill silver medallist Johan Clarey, among others, calling it "awful for our sport." Environmental groups have also voiced concerns over the environmental impact of such a large-scale winter sports event in a region that has never experienced snow and where temperatures can soar beyond 40°C (104°F) in summer.

However, the kingdom is determined to press ahead with its vision for the event, leveraging cutting-edge technology to simulate winter conditions. Neom’s $500 billion project, which includes plans for smart cities and sustainable developments, will feature winter sports facilities designed to handle skiing, ice hockey, curling, and snowboarding. Despite the challenges, Saudi officials are unwavering in their ambition to host the Games.

Learning from China’s Successful Asian Winter Games

As the next host of the Games, Saudi officials have been attending the ongoing 2025 Asian Winter Games in China to understand the intricacies of hosting such an event. Their objective is clear: to "watch and learn" from China’s expertise in managing winter sports competitions. The 2025 event, held in the northeastern city of Harbin, is already showcasing impressive infrastructure and winter sports facilities, offering invaluable insights into the logistics, technology, and environmental considerations required to run a successful event.

Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz, vice-president of Saudi Arabia’s Olympic committee, acknowledged the unique learning opportunity presented by China’s Asian Winter Games. In an official statement, Prince Fahd expressed, “Of course it would be a first for us, organizing such an event. We are here to observe, learn, and ensure that we can replicate the success of China in Neom.”

Saudi officials are particularly focused on understanding how China manages its winter sports infrastructure and logistics. The Harbin Games have been praised for their use of state-of-the-art technology and efficient operations, and Saudi Arabia is looking to implement similar systems in Neom. The Chinese model emphasizes sustainability, innovative venue construction, and smart-city infrastructure, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision for Neom.

Addressing the Environmental Concerns

One of the most significant hurdles facing Saudi Arabia in hosting the Asian Winter Games is the environmental impact of creating winter sports conditions in a region that sees scorching temperatures. Critics argue that constructing artificial snow and using vast amounts of water and energy for cooling systems could have detrimental effects on the local environment.

Environmental organizations have raised alarms over the potential ecological consequences of this ambitious project. As concerns mount about water usage, energy consumption, and carbon emissions, Saudi officials have stressed their commitment to sustainability. The Neom project has been touted as a model for green development, with plans for renewable energy sources, advanced water conservation systems, and eco-friendly construction materials.

Nevertheless, the challenges are significant. Producing artificial snow requires a considerable amount of energy and water, both of which are scarce resources in the region. The effectiveness of Neom's sustainability initiatives will be closely scrutinized by environmental groups and global stakeholders as the event approaches.

Saudi Arabia’s Broader Sports Ambitions

The decision to host the Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia is part of a broader strategy by the kingdom to enhance its global sports profile. As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in sports infrastructure, seeking to host a range of international events, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The country’s sports spending is seen as a way to boost tourism, attract international investment, and provide a platform for Saudi athletes to showcase their talents.

While the Asian Winter Games may seem like an unconventional choice for a country with little experience in winter sports, it fits into a broader narrative of Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a global sports powerhouse. Saudi officials hope that hosting the Games will not only boost the kingdom’s international image but also inspire the next generation of winter sports athletes in the Middle East.

Building the Infrastructure for Winter Sports in the Desert

Saudi Arabia’s Neom megacity is still under construction, but its ambitious plans include the creation of the world’s most advanced and sustainable sports infrastructure. As part of the effort to bring the Asian Winter Games to the desert, Neom will host a range of venues designed to accommodate snow and ice sports.

The development will feature specialized ice rinks, ski slopes, and snowboarding facilities, all powered by renewable energy. Artificial snow will be generated using advanced cooling technologies, allowing athletes to compete in authentic winter sports conditions, even in the heat of the desert.

Despite the bold promises, the project faces numerous challenges, particularly in terms of attracting international athletes and ensuring that the facilities meet the rigorous standards of the Olympic and Asian Winter Games. The investment in sports infrastructure is substantial, and it remains to be seen whether the facilities will be ready in time to host the Games.

The Global Impact of the Asian Winter Games

The Asian Winter Games have always been a showcase for the region’s growing interest in winter sports. While traditionally dominated by countries in East Asia and the Himalayas, the Games have expanded to include athletes from countries with little history in winter sports. Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Games marks a significant step forward in this trend, as the kingdom prepares to take center stage in a global event that will draw attention to its sports development programs.

By hosting the Asian Winter Games in 2029, Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly become a focal point for international winter sports fans and athletes. The event will bring together athletes from across Asia to compete in a range of disciplines, and it will be a defining moment for Saudi Arabia as it seeks to position itself as a global leader in sports.

The decision to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia is bold, controversial, and ambitious. While there are significant challenges ahead, the kingdom’s plans for Neom showcase its determination to create a sustainable, cutting-edge winter sports destination in the desert. By observing and learning from China’s successful execution of the 2025 Games, Saudi Arabia hopes to replicate that success and establish itself as a major player in the world of winter sports.

As the 2029 Games approach, all eyes will be on Saudi Arabia, not only to see how it handles the complexities of hosting a winter event in an arid region but also to see if it can live up to the global expectations that come with such a high-profile undertaking.