Saudi Arabia is set to elevate its tourism sector by venturing into the luxury train market through a strategic partnership between the state-owned railway company, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), and Italian hospitality company Arsenale Group. The two entities recently finalized a $53 million deal to introduce the first luxury train in the Middle Eastern kingdom, named "Dream of the Desert."
Since officially welcoming international tourists in 2019, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in attracting visitors, with the latest move signaling a commitment to the slow travel movement. According to SAR's press release in January 2024, Dream of the Desert is scheduled to commence operations in late 2025, offering "luxury train cruise" journeys from Riyadh to Qurayyat, near the northern border with Jordan.
The 1,300-kilometer route will traverse Saudi Arabia's breathtaking desert landscapes, including the city of Hail. The train, inspired by "Saudi style and tradition," will consist of 40 fully-customized luxury cabins, with construction already underway. Reservations for the one or two-night trips, accommodating a maximum of 82 passengers, are slated to open at the end of 2024.
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating that the initial production phases of Dream of the Desert carriages have begun in Italy. The design draws inspiration from Saudi Arabian aesthetics, offering passengers a unique and opulent travel experience.
Saudi Arabia's foray into the luxury train market aligns with global trends, as the demand for high-speed trains and luxury rail cruises continues to rise. The country joins the ranks of others, such as the United States and France, investing billions in rail infrastructure to provide sustainable alternatives to traditional travel methods.
The announcement comes on the heels of the country's commitment to diversify its economy through projects like the $500 billion model city in the northwest desert and the ambitious plan to build 8,000 kilometers of rail across the country by 2022. The tourism sector is a focal point of Saudi Vision 2030, with a goal of attracting 70 million international tourists annually by 2030, backed by an investment of over $800 billion in the next decade.
Dream of the Desert is set to debut a year after "Orient Express – La Dolce Vita," another collaboration between Arsenale Group and the Accor Group, reflecting the kingdom's dedication to offering unparalleled luxury travel experiences. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its tourism sector, the upcoming luxury train service is poised to be a significant addition, aligning with the vision of providing integrated and luxurious transportation services for both residents and visitors. The success of Dream of the Desert will be closely watched as it aims to compete with renowned luxury trains worldwide.
