Saudi Arabia's Dream of the Desert Luxury Train set to roll out in 2025

Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the desert, the "Dream of the Desert" luxury train is slated to commence its extravagant voyages in the fourth quarter of 2025, as revealed on the messaging platform X. With a duration spanning one to two nights, the 40-cabin train promises an unrivaled blend of comfort and sophistication.

The formalization of this visionary project occurred in Riyadh on January 25, where SAR's CEO, Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik, and Chairman of the Italian group, Paolo Barletta, inked the agreement. The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, also serving as SAR chairman.

This monumental agreement follows the initial memorandum of understanding signed by the two parties on March 15, 2023, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. The collaborative effort between SAR and the Arsenale Group signifies a strategic alliance geared towards elevating the standards of transportation and tourism within the Kingdom.

Minister Al-Jasser, commenting on the agreement, expressed that the introduction of luxury train amenities aligns with the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics initiatives. This move aims to enhance the quality of life, providing diversified mobility options and supporting critical national strategies.

CEO Al-Malik underscored SAR's dedication to its national role, emphasizing alignment with the broader countrywide strategy for transport and logistics. The introduction of the "Dream of the Desert" luxury train is positioned as a pivotal enhancement to SAR's services, offering a distinctive tourist and entertainment option for customers.

Paolo Barletta, Chairman of the Arsenale Group, revealed that the initial production stages of the luxury train have commenced in Italy. The booking process for the train, featuring 40 sophisticated cabins, is scheduled to kick off by the end of 2024. The operational debut is slated for the fourth quarter of 2025, initiating its inaugural journey from the north Riyadh train station, traversing through Hail, and concluding at the passenger train station in Qurayyat.

As the wheels of progress turn, the "Dream of the Desert" luxury train promises not just a mode of transportation but an immersive experience, ushering in a new era of opulence in Saudi Arabia's railway landscape.