In 2019, Saudi Arabia made a big decision by welcoming tourists from around the world for the first time. Since then, they’ve been doing everything possible to attract more visitors.
They’ve been investing a lot in tourism, including building a huge city in the desert that costs a whopping $500 billion!
And now, Saudi Arabia is joining the slow technology trend by stepping into the luxury train.
It should be noted that the Saudi Arabia Luxury train is being made in Italy and will be delivered to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2024.
Saudi Luxury Train
The brand-new train, set to run by the end of 2025, is called “Dream of the Desert.” It will provide luxurious train cruises from Riyadh, the capital city, to Qurayyat, near the border with Jordan. This news was announced in a press release from SAR just last week.
The route spans 1,300 kilometres, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking desert views and includes a stop at the city of Hail.
The trains, designed to reflect Saudi style and tradition, are currently being custom-built. Each train will have 40 luxury cabins. Reservations are expected to open at the end of the year.
Travellers can book one or two-night trips with a maximum of 82 passengers per journey. Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, shared in an official statement that the production of the Dream of the Desert carriages has begun in Italy, and they’re excited for the first train to debut in the kingdom in the coming years.
Saudi Arabia’s choice to join the luxury train industry aligns with the growing global demand for high-speed trains and luxurious “rail cruises.”
Around the world, countries are investing millions, and sometimes billions, into new infrastructure. This surge comes as people look for greener alternatives to short flights and congested roads.
The railway network in Saudi Arabia is set to expand, with trains zooming at speeds up to 300 kilometres per hour (186 miles per hour) across the entire country shortly.
Upgrades are also happening on existing lines, particularly in the northwest, to accommodate more high-speed services.
In January 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih unveiled ambitious plans to construct 8,000 kilometres (4,970 miles) of railway nationwide.
Expect more announcements soon as Saudi Arabia pushes forward to boost tourism, diversify its economy, and decrease reliance on oil revenue.
The kingdom plans to pour over $800 billion into tourism over the next decade, aiming to draw in 70 million international tourists annually by 2030.
Current projects include a lavish eco-friendly resort along the Red Sea coast and NEOM, a futuristic city built from scratch in the northwest desert.
Here Are the complete details of what to expect:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Name | Dream of the Desert |
| Manufacturer | Arsenale Group (Italy) |
| Start of operation | November 2025 |
| Route | Riyadh – Hail – Al Qurayyat (with future expansion planned) |
| Capacity | 80 passengers (40 cabins) |
| Cabins | Inspired by Saudi style and tradition, with varying sizes and amenities |
| Amenities | Fine dining restaurant, lounge bar, observation car, spa, fitness center, library, and more (specific details not yet released) |
| Length of journey | 1-2 nights |
| Train speed | Information not yet available |
| Booking | Expected to start by the end of 2024 |
Here is what we can expect in technology as this is considered the luxury train, so it will have the following technological advancement:
| Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Advanced Climate Control | Sophisticated systems to maintain comfortable temperatures regardless of desert heat or cold nights. |
| Passenger comfort and well-being | |
| Smart Lighting | Adjustable lighting systems with customizable presets and dimming options. |
| On-demand movies, music, and digital content are accessible through in-cabin tablets or TVs. | |
| High-Speed Wi-Fi | Seamless internet connectivity throughout the train. |
| Stay connected, work remotely, or access entertainment | |
| Interactive Entertainment Systems | On-demand movies, music, and digital content accessible through in-cabin tablets or TVs. |
| Personalized entertainment options | |
| Touchscreen Controls | Manage lighting, temperature, blinds, and other features for effortless convenience. |
| Intuitive control over your cabin environment | |
| Voice-Activated Assistants | Interact with the train’s systems and request information hands-free. |
| Enhanced accessibility and user-friendliness | |
| Real-Time Information Displays | Access updates on the journey, points of interest, and arrival times. |
| Keep passengers informed and engaged | |
| Advanced Security Systems | Integrated cameras, access control, and monitoring for passenger safety and peace of mind. |
| Secure and comfortable travel experience | |
| Sustainability Features | Potential use of energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and water conservation systems. |
| Align with Saudi Arabia’s focus on sustainability |
