Saudi Arabia Unveils Luxury Train Service, ‘Dream of the Desert’

Saudi Arabia has set its sights on elevating the tourism experience within the kingdom, as it unveils a pioneering luxury train service in collaboration with Italian hospitality firm Arsenale Group. This significant milestone aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract international tourists, following the country’s official opening to global visitors in 2019.

The state-owned railway company, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), has inked a substantial 200 million Saudi riyals (USD 53.33 million) agreement with Arsenale Group, symbolizing a decisive step toward enhancing the tourism infrastructure within the Middle Eastern kingdom. The introduction of this luxury train service, aptly named “Dream of the Desert,” aims to catapult the desert traverse into a luxuriously glamorous and captivating experience.

Scheduled to initiate operations by late 2025, the Dream of the Desert luxury train will offer an enchanting “luxury train cruise” experience from Riyadh, the capital city, to Qurayyat, situated near the northern border with Jordan. A 1,300-kilometer route will showcase the awe-inspiring desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia, including the renowned city of Hail.

Designed with a focus on incorporating elements of Saudi style and tradition, the fully-customized trains will feature 40 luxurious cabins, marking a significant leap in redefining the standard of train travel experiences. Excitingly, reservations for these unique journeys are slated to open by the end of the year, presenting travelers with the opportunity to embark on one or two-night trips amidst unparalleled comfort and luxury.

Al Malik, CEO of SAR, expressed unwavering confidence in the significant enhancement that Dream of the Desert will bring to the company. He envisions the luxury train service as an integrated framework of luxurious transportation, providing both residents and visitors with the exquisite opportunity to explore diverse regions of the kingdom.

This visionary endeavor is supported by a steadfast commitment to Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to diversify and revitalize the country’s economy over the next decade. Investing over USD 800 billion in the tourism sector, Saudi Arabia aspires to welcome 70 million international tourists annually by 2030, positioning itself as a premier global travel destination.

Furthermore, with an eye on sustainability and environmental consciousness, the luxury train service represents a significant step in catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly travel alternatives. The global trend towards high-speed trains and indulgent “rail cruises” has been gaining traction, with nations worldwide investing substantial amounts into developing new infrastructure, propelled by the increasing preference for sustainable modes of travel.

As the world continues to embrace the concept of sustainable travel, the introduction of the luxury train service in Saudi Arabia mirrors the broader global movement towards environmentally responsible transportation options. It echoes similar endeavors such as President Joe Biden’s commitment of USD 30 billion to fund rail projects and enhancements across the United States and France’s plan to invest approximately EUR 100 billion (USD 106 billion) in train travel by 2040, underscoring the growing significance of rail travel on the world stage.

Moreover, the planned extensive 8,000 kilometers (4,970 miles) of rail construction across Saudi Arabia signifies a bold step towards reshaping the country’s transportation infrastructure. The envisioned rail network, with capabilities to propel trains at speeds reaching up to 300 kph (186 mph), holds the promise of revolutionizing travel across the entire kingdom and fostering greater connectivity and accessibility.

In light of these ambitious developments, Saudi Arabia’s foray into the luxury train market marks a pivotal moment in the kingdom’s journey to revitalize its tourism sector, diversify its economy, and reduce its dependency on oil revenue. The launch of Dream of the Desert serves as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to positioning itself as a premier global travel destination, poised to captivate and enchant travelers from around the world.