Eversendai Corp, one of Asia's premier structural steel specialist contractors which is undertaking steel works for the Trojena Ski Village in NEOM, said construction activities will continue without interruption following reports that the 2029 Asian Winter Games may be reassigned to a different host country, reported The Edge Malaysia. 

 

This was reaffirmed during the project's latest monthly progress meeting which was attended by Eversendai Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director Tan Sri AK Nathan.

 

"As with any such project, early-stage challenges have emerged - particularly in relation to execution timelines and the unexpectedly complex terrain and rock conditions," stated Nathan, adding "These issues, while significant, are not insurmountable."

 

To address the pressures associated with tight deadlines and logistical challenges, the Saudi Arabian government is reportedly exploring the option of transferring the hosting rights for the Asian Winter Games to South Korea, said the company in a statement. 

 

This strategic adjustment would provide the necessary time and flexibility to ensure the long-term success of the Trojena Ski Village project, without compromising its vision or objectives," the company added.

 

The ambitious desert ski resort in the Al Lawz mountains, part of Saudi Arabia's megaproject series NEOM, had been earmarked to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

 

However, it was reported earlier this week that the Olympic Council of Asia has sent a formal letter to South Korea about the possibility of taking over as the host country, reported The Edge Malaysia. 

 

Eversendai announced the Trojena contract in March last year, as part of four project wins totalling RM5.4 billion in Saudi, the UAE and India. It did not disclose the value of each project, citing non-disclosure agreement, it added.