Red Sea International Secures $54m Facilities Deal for Trojena Mountain Resort Development

Trojena, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious alpine destination within the Neom giga-project, has reached a significant milestone with the award of a major facilities management contract. Red Sea International, a Saudi modular building and services provider, has locked in a SAR203 million ($54 million) agreement with Italy-based Webuild to oversee integrated operations and maintenance across the mountain resort’s infrastructure supporting the dam construction efforts.

Contract Scope and Timeline

The two-year facilities management agreement encompasses comprehensive operational oversight of both the main and spike camps tied to the Webuild Trojena Dam initiative. Red Sea International outlined the arrangement will commence financial tracking from Q1 2026, adhering to Neom’s stringent worker welfare standards. This contract represents a substantial commitment to ensuring smooth logistical operations as the project progresses through its critical development phase.

Trojena’s Ambitious Vision and Current Challenges

Positioned as a year-round alpine haven 1,500 to 2,600 metres above sea level, Trojena spans over 1,400 square kilometres with plans for 30 kilometers of ski slopes powered by artificial snow technology. The resort requires water sourced from more than 200 kilometres away near the Gulf of Aqaba—a logistical undertaking that underscores the project’s complexity.

However, delivery timelines remain under scrutiny. Questions persist about whether Trojena can be ready to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, with construction pace concerns and growing debate about staging winter sports in a desert nation. Reports suggest the Olympic Council of Asia has even explored alternative host possibilities amid potential timeline pressures.

Broader Context: Saudi Investment Priorities Shifting

The contract announcement arrives amid broader recalibration of Saudi Arabia’s investment strategy. The $1 trillion Public Investment Fund, which steers flagship mega-projects including the controversial $500 billion Neom initiative, has signalled a more disciplined approach to capital allocation. Focus areas are shifting toward six core “ecosystems” with Neom designated as a standalone strategic priority, though the fund faces pressure to balance domestic commitments against private sector participation.

Webuild’s Expanding Role in Saudi Arabia

Webuild’s footprint extends well beyond dam construction at Trojena. The Italian construction giant is simultaneously developing The Bow, an architecturally distinctive structure featuring a luxury hotel and mixed-use residential spaces, while advancing the 57-km Connector high-speed railway segment linking Oxagon and The Line. Additional commitments include Riyadh Metro Line 3 and ongoing Diriyah contracts, positioning Webuild as a central player in reshaping Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure landscape.