Saudi Arabia recently announced the launch of the Italian-made Dream of the Desert train. Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) signed the SAR200 million ($53 million) agreement to introduce the service with Italy’s Arsenale Group.
The agreement was signed in Riyadh recently between SAR’s CEO, Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik; and chairman of the Italian group, Paolo Barletta. The Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, who also serves as SAR’s chairman, was present at the signing ceremony.
Quality services
Al-Jasser explained that launching the luxury Dream of the Desert train service in Saudi Arabia, for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, will add quality services and additional transportation options in the kingdom. This agreement is one of the initiatives under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. It aims to improve the quality of life and support leading national strategies.
Al-Jasser noted the great and unlimited support that the transportation and logistics system has been receiving from Saudi’s leadership. This enabled the sector to develop its services, projects, and initiatives. He also valued the cooperation and joint integration between the government and various parties to develop the transportation sector and improve customer experience.
Tourism and entertainment
Meanwhile, Dr. Al-Malik stressed SAR’s commitment to its pioneering national role in implementing qualitative initiatives. Hence, SAR’s strategy is directly linked to the national strategy for transport and logistics services.
He emphasized that the Dream of the Desert train service is a great addition to the company’s services. Moreover, it provides the opportunity for visitors and residents of the kingdom to discover more regions through the integrated framework of luxurious transportation services.
Read: SAR achieves 55% growth rate in passenger numbers in 2023
Dream of the Desert train service
For her part, Paolo Barletta stated that the initial production stages of the Dream of the Desert train have recently begun in Italy in preparation for the service launch.
The Dream of the Desert train, which consists of 40 luxury cabins, will be open for reservations at the end of 2024. Moreover, operations will begin in the fourth quarter of next year. The first trip’s route starts at the al-Shamal train station in Riyadh. It will pass through Hail and end at al-Qurayyat train station.
Arsenal Company is an Italian company specializing in luxury hospitality, international hotel and resort management, and luxury travel. It works on sustainable projects for luxury services through a fleet of six tourism trains operating in Italy.
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