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Saudi Arabia: ‘Dream of the Desert’ Train to Start Trips in Q4 2025

“Dream of the Desert” train, the first of its kind in the region (Asharq Al-Awsat)
“Dream of the Desert” train, the first of its kind in the region (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia: ‘Dream of the Desert’ Train to Start Trips in Q4 2025

“Dream of the Desert” train, the first of its kind in the region (Asharq Al-Awsat)
“Dream of the Desert” train, the first of its kind in the region (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Railways (SAR) signed an agreement with Italy’s Arsenale group on Thursday to launch the “Dream of the Desert” luxury train, with 40 luxury cabins worth $53.3 million.

The CEO of Saudi Railways, Bashar al-Malik, and Chairman of Arsenale’s Board of Directors Paolo Barletta signed the 25-year agreement under the patronage and presence of the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh al-Jasser.

The train will be scheduled for reservations at the end of this year, and actual operation will begin in Q4 of 2025.

The first stage of the route will be from the al-Shamal train station in Riyadh, passing through Hail and ending at al-Qurayyat train station.

The Saudi minister indicated that launching these luxury services on trains for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region will introduce quality services and additional mobility options within the Kingdom.

Jasser pointed out that this agreement is one of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics initiatives to improve the quality of life and support leading national strategies.

He highlighted the government’s support for transport and logistics, enabling the sector to achieve its service and development projects and initiatives.

The minister lauded the effective cooperation and joint integration between the system and various stakeholders in developing transportation patterns and enhancing the beneficiary experience.

SAR’s CEO emphasized the commitment to its pioneering national role in implementing qualitative initiatives emanating from the company’s strategy linked to the National Strategy.

He highlighted that introducing the “Dream of the Desert” significantly enhances the company’s services, presenting a crucial tourist and entertainment option for its customers.

The train will allow visitors and residents of the Kingdom to explore various regions within an integrated framework of luxurious transportation services, said Malik.

The Chairman of Arsenale stated that the initial production stages of the luxurious train had recently begun in Italy in preparation for entering service according to the announced plan.

Arsenale is a multi-brand company that develops and manages luxury hospitality and lifestyle assets. It develops luxury hotel concepts and works on sustainable projects for luxury services via tourist trains through a fleet of six trains operating in Italy.

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Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Business activity in Saudi Arabia's non-oil sector accelerated to a four-month high in September, driven by strong demand, which led to faster growth in new orders. The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), adjusted for seasonal factors, rose to 56.3 points from 54.8 in August, marking the highest reading since May and further distancing itself from the 50.0 level that indicates growth.

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders, alongside challenges in supply. The improvement in business conditions contributed to a significant rise in employment opportunities, although difficulties in finding skilled workers led to a shortage in production capacity.

At the same time, concerns over increasing competition caused a decline in future output expectations. According to the PMI statement, inventories of production inputs remained in good condition, which encouraged some companies to reduce their purchasing efforts.

Growth was strong overall and widespread across all non-oil sectors under study. Dr. Naif Al-Ghaith, Senior Economist at Riyad Bank, said that the rise in Saudi Arabia's PMI points to a notable acceleration in the growth of the non-oil private sector, primarily driven by increased production and new orders, reflecting the sector’s expansionary activity.

Al-Ghaith added that companies responded to the rise in domestic demand, which plays a crucial role in reducing the Kingdom's reliance on oil revenues. The upward trend also indicates improved business confidence, pointing to a healthy environment for increased investment, job creation, and overall economic stability.

He emphasized that this growth in the non-oil sector is particularly important given the current context of reduced oil production and falling global oil prices. With oil revenues under pressure, the strong performance of the non-oil private sector acts as a buffer, helping mitigate the potential impact on the country's economic conditions.

Al-Ghaith continued, noting that diversifying income sources is essential to maintaining growth amid the volatility of oil markets. He explained that increased production levels not only enhance the competitiveness of Saudi companies but also encourage developments aimed at expanding the private sector's participation in the economy.

This shift, he said, provides a more stable foundation for long-term growth, making the economy less susceptible to oil price fluctuations.