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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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China Eyes Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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China Eyes Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

China’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Chang Hua, expressed Beijing’s hopes to strengthen its partnership with the kingdom, especially in electric vehicle production and other industries.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Hua condemned violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the targeting of civilians.
He called for immediate action to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.
“China is deeply shocked by the high civilian casualties from the conflict between Israel and Lebanon,” Hua said, urging the international community to work on calming the situation.
He emphasized that, no matter how things unfold, “China will always stand for justice and remain committed to peace and stability in the Middle East. We are ready to work with all parties to promote peace in the region.”
China’s Economic Growth
Hua highlighted China’s rise from a $30 billion economy to a $17.8 trillion one, making it the world’s second-largest economy and a leader in trade and industry.
He reiterated China’s goal to maintain high-level openness, push for high-quality economic development, and promote a multipolar world with fair global governance and inclusive economic globalization.
Saudi-China Relations
Hua described the partnership between Saudi Arabia and China as entering a new phase of deep development, congratulating Saudi Arabia on its 94th National Day.
He noted that Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia has boosted bilateral relations and strengthened the comprehensive strategic partnership, driving it towards a more stable and prosperous future.
The ambassador stressed the need to expand trade and investment between the two countries and highlighted the upcoming “Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025” as a key event.
Hua also pointed out that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman values the strong and historic relationship between the two nations.
The Crown Prince looks forward to further aligning Saudi Vision 2030 with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, expanding cooperation in energy, investment, and culture.
Hua noted that China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $100 billion in the past two years. He also mentioned the recent currency swap agreement between the two countries, which has helped boost trade and investment.
New Developments in Saudi-China Relations
According to Hua, the cooperation between the two nations has grown significantly, particularly in the automotive, renewable energy, and tourism sectors.
In 2023, Saudi imports of Chinese cars reached $4.12 billion, driven by companies like Changan, Geely, MG, Chery, Great Wall, Hongqi, GAC, and BYD, which have opened branches in the kingdom.
Discussions are ongoing about building local manufacturing plants. China exported 4.91 million vehicles in 2023, making it the largest car exporter globally for the first time, including 1.203 million electric vehicles, a 77.6% increase from the previous year.
Hua noted that Saudi Vision 2030 aims for electric vehicles to account for at least 30% of all cars in Riyadh by 2030, and he expressed optimism about enhancing collaboration in automotive manufacturing.
Chinese companies are also increasingly involved in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector. They are working on multiple solar projects, including the Al Shuaibah photovoltaic plant, the largest of its kind in the world, with a capacity of 2.6 gigawatts.
In July 2023, the Renewable Energy Localization Company (RELC), backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, signed agreements with three Chinese firms—Envision Technology Group, Jinko Solar, and TCL Zhonghuan—to establish joint ventures for high-efficiency solar cell production in Saudi Arabia.
These projects will focus on producing solar components, helping Saudi Arabia achieve its goal of sourcing 75% of renewable energy project components locally by 2030.
Hua also highlighted the increasing exchange of visits between citizens of both countries. In September 2023, China and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate group tourism, making the kingdom an official destination for Chinese tour groups.
Several Chinese travel agencies have begun offering packages to Saudi Arabia, and direct flights between the two countries are increasing. Saudi Airlines has expanded its routes, operating numerous weekly flights between Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Riyadh, and Jeddah.