Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has forged a partnership with Italy’s Arsenale Group to unveil the “Dream of the Desert” train, marking a first in luxury rail services for the kingdom.
The contract, inked by SAR‘s CEO Dr. Bashar Al-Malik and Paolo Barletta, Chairman of the Arsenale Group, signals the dawn of opulent train journeys in Saudi Arabia, in line with the nation’s strategic ambitions to bolster its transport and logistics framework. It follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed on March 15, 2023, setting the stage for a new era in luxury travel within the Kingdom.
The Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser also attended the signing ceremony.
Rail cruising gaining momentum in luxury market
Rail cruising is carving a niche for itself in the travel world, appealing to those who seek the immersive journey of train travel combined with the opulence of a luxury cruise. This unique mode of travel offers passengers the chance to soak in breathtaking landscapes, from serene countrysides to majestic mountain ranges and vibrant urban scenes, all from the comfort of their plush carriage.
These trains, designed with grandeur in mind, feature accommodations ranging from cosy sleepers to lavish suites, complete with gourmet dining and personalised service, ensuring a journey that’s as pampered as it is picturesque.
What sets rail cruising apart is the depth of cultural immersion it provides. Unlike traditional cruises, rail journeys often include stops at a variety of destinations, allowing travellers to delve deeper into the local heritage, guided by experts who bring each location to life.
There’s also a certain romanticism attached to train travel, a nod to a more genteel era of exploration, which rail cruising encapsulates beautifully, offering a blend of nostalgic charm with contemporary luxury.
Moreover, in today’s eco-conscious world, rail cruising presents a greener alternative to air travel, with trains emitting significantly lower carbon emissions per passenger.
This aspect, coupled with the exclusivity and privacy afforded by the limited number of passengers compared to a cruise ship, makes rail cruising an attractive option for those seeking a more intimate and environmentally friendly way to explore.
Another advantage is the convenience and accessibility of train travel. Rail networks typically connect directly to city centres, eliminating the hassle of long transfers associated with ports and airports. This ease of access, combined with the train’s ability to traverse diverse landscapes, makes rail cruising a compelling choice for those looking to discover the heart of each destination they visit.
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale underlined this sentiment: “The ‘railway cruise’ is the present and the future of tourism, and Arsenale wants to make it available in the most beautiful places in the world, introducing this new fascinating and sustainable way of travelling. This partnership demonstrates that there are no limits to passion and no barriers that can stop the desire to go beyond the imaginary,”
“The ‘railway cruise’ is the present and the future of tourism…
Arsenale has also signed an agreement with Etihad Rail to roll out a luxury train experience in the UAE. That train will travel throughout the Emirates and extend to the wider GCC, once the Gulf-wide railway becomes operational.
The wondrous Saudi train odyssey invites explorers to embark on a journey of discovery, unveiling the hidden treasures of the kingdom whilst ensconced in the lap of luxury.
Set to feature 40 sumptuous cabins, this premier train is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage from Riyadh, passing through Hail, and concluding at Al-Qurayyat, offering an unmatched travel experience through the heart of the Saudi landscape.
Al-Jasser said that the launch, for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, of these luxury services on trains in the Kingdom will add extra quality services and options to the Kingdom’s means of transportation, adding that this is one of the initiatives the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics has taken to improve the quality of life and support leading national strategies.
He underlined the considerable support received by the transport and logistics sector from the wise leadership, which enables it to carry out its projects, services and development initiatives, and praised the cooperation between the transport sector and various stakeholders in the field, which helps develop it and improve the experience of beneficiaries.
Al-Malik underscored SAR’s commitment to implementing quality initiatives emanating from the company’s strategy associated with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, noting that the “Dream of the Desert” train will be a great addition to the services of the company as it adds an important tourist and entertainment option to the list of services to its customers, and enables visitors and residents to discover more areas of the Kingdom while enjoying luxurious transport services.
From the historic workshops of Italy, where the inception of this dream takes tangible form, Paolo Barletta speaks of the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into the making of the “Dream of the Desert.” Mr Barletta says the initial production stages of the train have recently begun in Italy, in preparation for having it enter into service according to the announced plan.
The 40 luxury-cabin “Dream of the Desert” train will be open for bookings at the end of the current year, and actual operation will begin in the fourth quarter of next year. The first trips will start from the North Train Station in Riyadh, run through Hail and end at Al-Qurayyat train station.
…
WATCH THE VIDEO:
…
Read also: 156% HIKE IN SAUDI TOURISM FROM 2019 TO 2023
