Bechtel appointed as PM consultant for TROJENA at NEOM

Bechtel has been appointed as the project management consultant for TROJENA, the year-round mountain destination in the NEOM region of north-west Saudi Arabia, it has been announced.

In a statement, Bechtel, the US-based construction giant, said that TROJENA will be a key development for the country, and will contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of growing tourism and diversifying its economy away from hydrocarbons. 

In the role, Bechtel will provide services that include technical, commercial and construction management, for the development of TROJENA and supporting NEOM’s ambitions for sustainability.

"NEOM is without question the most ambitious project in living memory, and we are proud to expand our role to support the TROJENA project,” said Jake Mumm, Bechtel’s regional managing director for Infrastructure. 

“From a construction perspective, NEOM offers once-in-a-lifetime career opportunities for Saudi nationals, who will be helping to open the world's eyes to the Kingdom's outstanding natural beauty alongside futuristic technology.”

The destination is located 50 kilometres from the Gulf of Aqaba coast in the heart of NEOM's mountainous region, spanning over 1,400 square kilometres, with elevations ranging from 1,500m to 2,600m. 

Fifty-seven square kilometres will be dedicated to the main development, which will benefit from the unique mountain climate in the region, where temperatures drop below zero in the winter. Such conditions will allow TROJENA to offer the Gulf's first outdoor ski experience and host the 2029 Asian Winter Games after submitting the winning bid, the statement said.

Six distinctive development districts – Gateway, Discover, Valley, Explore, Relax and Fun – will blend, together with the natural landscape, to offer human-centric experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Defying current industry practices

Like the rest of the NEOM, TROJENA will be powered entirely by renewable energy while sustainably protecting the region's rich cultural and environmental heritage. The destination is planned to be completed and operational by late 2026.

Commenting on the bid award, Philip Gullett, Executive Director of TROJENA, said: “NEOM and TROJENA continue to attract international firms as collaborators of a new future where people can live, work, and play in harmony with nature. Our vision defies current industry practices and lays the foundation of what sustainable regional and tourist developments can be."

"It is inspiring to witness how the world's leading minds are coming together to redefine sustainability while maintaining a bespoke development that adapts to the surroundings and exceeds visitors' expectations. Tourists will be able to experience all this at TROJENA, a destination unlike any other on earth,” said Gullett.