عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Culture

Saudi Arabia Railways, Arsenale Unveil the Final Designs of 'Dream of the Desert' Luxury Train 

Designed as a moving five-star destination, the train combines world-class hospitality with exquisite design, setting a new benchmark for premium rail travel. (SPA)
Designed as a moving five-star destination, the train combines world-class hospitality with exquisite design, setting a new benchmark for premium rail travel. (SPA)
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia Railways, Arsenale Unveil the Final Designs of 'Dream of the Desert' Luxury Train 

Designed as a moving five-star destination, the train combines world-class hospitality with exquisite design, setting a new benchmark for premium rail travel. (SPA)
Designed as a moving five-star destination, the train combines world-class hospitality with exquisite design, setting a new benchmark for premium rail travel. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality company Arsenale officially unveiled the final designs of the Dream of the Desert train, the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East. This milestone marks a significant step forward in redefining luxury rail travel in the region, seamlessly blending contemporary opulence with the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. The announcement coincided with a visit by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to the Kingdom.

According to a statement by SAR on Monday, the announcement is a major advancement in the execution of the agreement signed last year between SAR and Arsenale.

Inspired by the desert landscape and traditional Saudi architecture, the interiors feature refined craftsmanship, with earthy tones, luxurious textiles, and intricate decorative details. Architectural elements and motifs from iconic Saudi landmarks—including Madain Saleh and Hail—are elegantly woven into the train's design, offering passengers a journey that is both visually and culturally enriching.

Dream of the Desert’s ambitious vision is to redefine luxury train travel in the Kingdom, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030’s objective of enhancing high-end tourism and supporting the cultural sector, continued the statement.

The Dream of the Desert train consists of 14 carriages housing 34 luxury suites, offering an exclusive and intimate experience for travelers. Designed as a moving five-star destination, the train combines world-class hospitality with exquisite design, setting a new benchmark for premium rail travel.

Departing from Riyadh, the train will traverse SAR’s Northern Railway network, allowing guests to explore some of Saudi Arabia's most breathtaking heritage and natural sites.

Through its collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the train will feature curated cultural programs, ensuring passengers experience Saudi Arabia's traditions in an immersive and engaging way. Additionally, the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Center for Development Authorities Support are working on unique tourism itineraries that integrate seamlessly with the train journey, providing guests with an unparalleled window into the heart of Saudi heritage.

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of SAR Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser emphasized the strategic significance of the project: “The National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to develop an integrated transport network that strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub. The Dream of the Desert train is a testament to our commitment to this vision, delivering innovative solutions that elevate both the transport and tourism sectors.”

“This project reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious drive to develop world-class infrastructure while offering unparalleled travel experiences that reinforce Saudi Arabia's status as a premier global tourism destination. The train combines luxury, innovation, and cultural authenticity, setting a new standard in rail travel,” he added.

SAR CEO Dr. Bashar bin Khalid AlMalik highlighted SAR's leadership in advancing the objectives of Vision 2030 and strengthening the integration between the transport, economic, and tourism sectors, saying: “At SAR, we believe our role extends beyond operating a railway network—we are actively attracting global investments to introduce advanced transport solutions that support economic growth and regional connectivity.”

“The Dream of the Desert train is a prime example of this commitment, demonstrating how collaboration between private and public sector entities can create groundbreaking experiences in luxury transport. With this project, we are setting a new benchmark for service excellence, merging comfort and sophistication to position Saudi Arabia among the world's leading luxury rail travel destinations,” he stressed.

CEO of Arsenale Group Paolo Barletta expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stressing: “When we first envisioned Dream of the Desert, our goal was to create an unparalleled travel experience—one that would take guests on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Saudi Arabia.”

“This project is more than just a luxury train; it is a fully immersive experience that blends refined design, world-class hospitality, and rich cultural traditions. Working with SAR, the Ministry of Culture, and the Saudi Tourism Authority has been an extraordinary collaboration, allowing us to bring this vision to life in a way that authentically reflects Saudi Arabia’s beauty,” he remarked.

“We are proud of this achievement and look forward to welcoming our first guests on board. Dream of the Desert is expected to begin operations by the end of Q3 2026, with booking details and exclusive packages to be announced soon on the official website,” he revealed.

Tribute to Saudi Culture and Craftsmanship

The train’s interiors have been meticulously designed to reflect the essence of Saudi Arabia. Its elegant reception lounges are inspired by traditional majlis settings, adorned with intricately hand-carved wooden elements and geometric patterns that embody the warmth of Saudi hospitality. The onboard dining experience combines heritage and sophistication, featuring a refined menu crafted in collaboration with top local and international chefs.

Passengers will also be immersed in the Kingdom's artistic heritage, with curated art pieces and photography displayed along the train’s corridors, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural landmarks.

With the unveiling of these groundbreaking designs, the Dream of the Desert train is set to redefine luxury travel in Saudi Arabia, offering a journey that is not only luxurious but also deeply connected to the Kingdom’s cultural and historical identity.

Most Viewed

 
 
Culture

Saudi Arabia: Ship of Tolerance Initiative Promotes Cultural Dialogue in Jeddah

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) will offer traditional craft workshops throughout Ramadan. SPA
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) will offer traditional craft workshops throughout Ramadan. SPA
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia: Ship of Tolerance Initiative Promotes Cultural Dialogue in Jeddah

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) will offer traditional craft workshops throughout Ramadan. SPA
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) will offer traditional craft workshops throughout Ramadan. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the "Lenobadir" volunteer and community partnership program and the Athr Foundation, has launched the Ship of Tolerance initiative in Historic Jeddah during Ramadan.

The initiative aims to enhance shared human values through arts, and promote tolerance and coexistence among children and families. It provides an educational and cultural experience aligned with the area’s unique character as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

As part of this global art project, children will create artworks that represent acceptance and dialogue.

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) will offer traditional craft workshops throughout Ramadan, linking the initiative's values with local heritage and enriching visitors' connection to the region's identity.

This effort supports cultural programs with educational and social dimensions in Historic Jeddah, activating local sites for experiences that combine art, crafts, and community participation. It aligns with the National Strategy for Culture under Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on heritage preservation and expanding culture's impact on daily life.

Culture

Oscar Contender ‘Hamnet’ Boosts Tourism at Shakespeare Heritage Sites 

A view of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, William Shakespeare's childhood home, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Britain, February 9, 2026. (Reuters)
A view of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, William Shakespeare's childhood home, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Britain, February 9, 2026. (Reuters)
TT
TT

Oscar Contender ‘Hamnet’ Boosts Tourism at Shakespeare Heritage Sites 

A view of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, William Shakespeare's childhood home, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Britain, February 9, 2026. (Reuters)
A view of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, William Shakespeare's childhood home, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Britain, February 9, 2026. (Reuters)

On a cloudy winter's day, visitors stream into what was once William Shakespeare's childhood home in Stratford-upon-Avon and the nearby Anne Hathaway's cottage, family residence of the bard's wife.

Hathaway's cottage is one of the settings for the BAFTA and Oscar best film contender "Hamnet", and the movie's success is drawing a new wave of tourists to Shakespeare sites in the town in central England.

Shakespeare's Birthplace is the house the young William once lived in and where his father worked as a glove maker, while Hathaway's cottage is where he would have visited his future wife early in their relationship.

Typically, around 250,000 visitors, from the UK, Europe, the United States, China and elsewhere, walk through the locations each year, according to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. ‌The charity looks after ‌Shakespeare heritage sites, which also include Shakespeare's New Place, the site of ‌the ⁠Stratford home where the ⁠bard died in 1616.

Visitors are flocking in this year thanks to "Hamnet", the film based on Maggie O'Farrell's 2020 novel, which gives a fictional account of the relationship between Shakespeare and Hathaway, also known as Agnes, and the death of their 11-year-old son Hamnet in 1596.

"Visitor numbers have increased by about 15 to 20% across all sites since the film was released back in January. I think that will only continue as we go throughout the year," Richard Patterson, chief operating officer for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said.

"They particularly want ⁠to look (at) Anne Hathaway's cottage and the specifics around how the family ‌engaged in the spaces and the landscape in and around ‌the cottage... you can see why he would have been inspired."

NEW ACCESS TO SHAKESPEARE

"Hamnet" has 11 nominations at ‌Sunday's British BAFTA awards, including best film and leading actress for Jessie Buckley, who plays Agnes. It ‌also has eight Oscar nominations, with Buckley seen as the frontrunner to win best actress.

"Hamnet" is set in Stratford-upon-Avon and London although it was not filmed in Stratford.

It sees Paul Mescal's young Shakespeare fall for Agnes while teaching Latin to pay off his father's debts. The drama, seen mainly through Agnes' eyes, focuses on their ‌life together and grief over Hamnet's death, leading Shakespeare to write "Hamlet".

"Shakespeare... is notoriously enigmatic. He writes about humanity, about feeling, about emotion, about conflict, ⁠but where do we understand ⁠who he is in that story?" said Charlotte Scott, a professor of Shakespeare studies and interim director of collections, learning and research at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

"And that's driven people creative and otherwise for hundreds and hundreds of years. Where is Shakespeare's heart? And this is what the film I think has so beautifully opened up."

Little is known about how the couple met. Shakespeare was 18 and Hathaway 26 when they married in 1582. Daughter Susanna arrived in 1583 and twins Judith and Hamnet in 1585.

The film acknowledges the names Hamnet and Hamlet were interchangeable back then. While grief is a dominant theme, audiences also see Shakespeare in love and as a father.

"A lot of people will see this film not necessarily having... had any kind of relationship with Shakespeare," Scott said.

"So people will come to this film, I hope, and find a new way of accessing Shakespeare that is about creativity, that is about understanding storytelling as a constant process of regeneration, but also crucially, looking at it from that kind of emotive angle."

Culture

Culture Ministry Continues Preparations in Historic Jeddah to Welcome Visitors during Ramadan 

Historic Jeddah has emerged as a leading cultural tourism destination during Ramadan. (SPA)
Historic Jeddah has emerged as a leading cultural tourism destination during Ramadan. (SPA)
TT
TT

Culture Ministry Continues Preparations in Historic Jeddah to Welcome Visitors during Ramadan 

Historic Jeddah has emerged as a leading cultural tourism destination during Ramadan. (SPA)
Historic Jeddah has emerged as a leading cultural tourism destination during Ramadan. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Culture is continuing its efforts to revitalize Historic Jeddah in preparation for welcoming visitors during the holy month of Ramadan, offering cultural programs, events, and heritage experiences that reflect the authenticity of the past.

The district has emerged as a leading cultural tourism destination at this time of year as part of the “The Heart of Ramadan” campaign launched by the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Visitors are provided the opportunity to explore the district’s attractions, including archaeological sites located within the geographical boundaries of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area, which represent a central component of the Kingdom’s urban and cultural heritage.

The area also features museums that serve as gateways to understanding the city’s rich heritage and cultural development, in addition to traditional markets that narrate historical stories through locally made products and Ramadan specialties that reflect authentic traditions.

These initiatives are part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to revitalize Historic Jeddah in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and aiming to transform it into a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and the creative economy, while preserving its tangible and intangible heritage.