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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)
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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.

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Culture

Visual Arts Commission Announces 'Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement' Exhibition

Visual Arts Commission Announces 'Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement' Exhibition
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Visual Arts Commission Announces 'Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement' Exhibition

Visual Arts Commission Announces 'Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement' Exhibition

The Visual Arts Commission has announced "Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement"—a seminal exhibition that celebrates and documents the formative years of Saudi Arabia's art scene and the emergence of a pioneering generation of artists between the 1960s and 1980s, SPA reported.

The exhibition will be on view from January 27 through April 11, 2026, at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.
The exhibition traces the evolution of artistic practices in the Kingdom, as shaped by the cultural, social, and economic transformations that began in the mid-twentieth century.

Extensive research initiated by the Visual Arts Commission—encompassing more than 80 site visits as well as 120 comprehensive artist reports and recordings from 50 interviews—informs the exhibition. Developed with an advisory team that includes artist Abdulrahman Alsuliman, Dr. Mohammed Alrusais, and Dr. Charbel Dagher, the research draws on academic expertise alongside firsthand accounts from artists and key figures of the period to capture early exhibition history, educational activity, and the locally-rooted language of expression that emerged during these decades.

Curated by Qaswra Hafez, the exhibition spans painting, sculpture, works on paper, and diverse archival materials—many exhibited publicly for the first time. Focusing on the pivotal decades of the 1960s through 1980s, it charts how practitioners of this generation engaged Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted heritage while participating in international artistic exchange. Developing distinctive visual languages that brought modernist currents into dialogue with local contexts, they established cultural institutions and artist networks via grassroots initiatives alongside public and private patronage and support for the visual arts.

Presented at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in the historic Al Murabba’a district, the exhibition brings together the work of key figures across three decades, highlighting a pivotal period in which modern and abstract artistic practices emerged within the Kingdom.

Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement is structured in three parts: the Foundation of the Modern Art Movement in Saudi Arabia, which studies the emergence of the visual arts scene in the interplay between individual initiative and state support; Currents of Modernity, which explores the artistic concerns that shaped Saudi artistic production; and Modernist Pioneers, which spotlights four artists—Mohammed Al-Saleem, Safeya Binzagr, Mounirah Mosly, and Abdulhalim Radwi.

Reflecting on the significance of the exhibition, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission Dina Amin stated: “We celebrate here the history of modern art in Saudi Arabia, and we are proud to foreground its rich legacy by honoring the pioneering figures as well as the public and private initiatives whose collective efforts shaped the art scene of this era. We hope this exhibition contributes to an enduring continuum, offering meaningful access to the depth and diversity of our visual arts history.”

Curator of the exhibition Qaswra Hafez said: “Through Bedayat, we are presenting a comprehensive and research-driven account of Saudi modern art. Through archival study, pioneering artworks, and firsthand narratives, we are preserving the foundations of our modern art movement for future generations. This project is both a tribute to our early artists and a lasting cultural legacy that will continue to inform and inspire audiences across the Kingdom and beyond.”

Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement forms part of the Visual Arts Commission’s broader efforts to archive and document Saudi visual culture, advancing the historical record and supporting ongoing research in the field.

The exhibition will be followed by a comprehensive publication and an original documentary film, offering an in-depth perspective on the foundations of Saudi modern art and a long-lasting resource for the public and researchers. An extensive public program of talks, workshops, and masterclasses will further explore key themes, including early art education, the role of pioneering teachers and institutions, and archival preservation practices.

Culture

Smithsonian’s Asian Art Museum Director Highlights Cultural Exchange with Saudi Arabia's RCU

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) logo
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) logo
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Smithsonian’s Asian Art Museum Director Highlights Cultural Exchange with Saudi Arabia's RCU

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) logo
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) logo

National Museum of Asian Art Director at the Smithsonian Institution Chase Robinson discussed cooperation with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between museum professionals and researchers in Saudi Arabia and the United States, while expanding global knowledge of the heritage and ancient civilizations of the northern Arabian Peninsula.

In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, Robinson described the museum’s relationship with the Kingdom as “long-standing,” formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2025 with the RCU.

He stressed that the agreement “is built on many years of relations with the Kingdom” and reflects both institutions’ commitment to preserving cultural heritage and boosting cultural exchange between the two countries.

He noted that the agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter of constructive cooperation, highlighting the pivotal role of arts and heritage in strengthening cultural dialogue among peoples of different regions and historical backgrounds, and in making AlUla’s heritage accessible to the world, thereby supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Robinson indicated that the collaboration between the museum and the RCU includes key components such as designing an exhibition centered on the recently discovered monumental statue at the archaeological site of Dadan, conducting scientific research and conservation studies on the newly discovered statue, and examining the archaeological context and historical development of the Dadan site and its connection to the city of AlUla.

He added that the project is expected to culminate in an exhibition likely to be held in 2029.

The museum, which opened in 1923 as the first national art museum in the United States and the country’s first museum dedicated to Asian art, houses collections of Islamic art from Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Notable recent exhibitions include “Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” (2012–2013) and “The Art of the Quran” (2016).

Culture

Culture Being Strangled by Kosovo's Political Crisis

The cinema has been waiting for much-needed repairs for years. Armend NIMANI / AFP
The cinema has been waiting for much-needed repairs for years. Armend NIMANI / AFP
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Culture Being Strangled by Kosovo's Political Crisis

The cinema has been waiting for much-needed repairs for years. Armend NIMANI / AFP
The cinema has been waiting for much-needed repairs for years. Armend NIMANI / AFP

Kosovo's oldest cinema has been dark and silent for years as the famous theater slowly disintegrates under a leaky roof.

Signs warn passers-by in the historic city of Prizren that parts of the Lumbardhi's crumbling facade could fall while it waits for its long-promised refurbishment.

"The city deserves to have the cinema renovated and preserved. Only junkies gathering there benefit from it now," nextdoor neighbor butcher Arsim Futko, 62, told AFP.

For seven years, it waited for a European Union-funded revamp, only for the money to be suddenly withdrawn with little explanation.

Now it awaits similar repairs promised by the national government that has since been paralyzed by inconclusive elections in February.

And it is anyone's guess whether the new government that will come out of Sunday's snap election will keep the promise.

'Collateral damage'

Cinema director Ares Shporta said the cinema has become "collateral damage" in a broader geopolitical game after the EU hit his country with sanctions in 2023.

The delayed repairs "affected our morale, it affected our lives, it affected the trust of the community in us," Shporta said.

Brussels slapped Kosovo with sanctions over heightened tensions between the government and the ethnic Serb minority that live in parts of the country as Pristina pushed to exert more control over areas still tightly linked to Belgrade.

Cultural institutions have been among the hardest-hit sectors, as international funding dried up and local decisions were stalled by the parliamentary crisis.

According to an analysis by the Kosovo think tank, the GAP Institute for Advanced Studies, sanctions have resulted in around 613 million euros ($719 million) being suspended or paused, with the cultural sector taking a hit of 15-million-euro hit.

'Ground zero'

With political stalemate threatening to drag on into another year, there are warnings that further funding from abroad could also be in jeopardy.

Since February's election when outgoing premier Albin Kurti topped the polls but failed to win a majority, his caretaker government has been deadlocked with opposition lawmakers.

Months of delays, spent mostly without a parliament, meant little legislative work could be done.

Ahead of the snap election on Sunday, the government said that more than 200 million euros ($235 million) will be lost forever due to a failure to ratify international agreements.

Once the top beneficiary of the EU Growth Plan in the Balkans, Europe's youngest country now trails most of its neighburs, the NGO Group for Legal and Political Studies' executive director Njomza Arifi told AFP.

"While some of the countries in the region have already received the second tranches, Kosovo still remains at ground zero."

Although there have been some enthusiastic signs of easing a half of EU sanctions by January, Kurti's continued push against Serbian institutions and influence in the country's north continues to draw criticism from both Washington and Brussels.

'On the edge'

Across the river from the Lumbardhi, the funding cuts have also been felt at Dokufest, a documentary and short film festival that draws people to the region.

"The festival has had to make staff cuts. Unfortunately, there is a risk of further cuts if things don't change," Dokufest artistic director Veton Nurkollari said.

"Fortunately, we don't depend on just one source because we could end up in a situation where, when the tap is turned off, everything is turned off."

He said that many in the cultural sector were desperate for the upcoming government to get the sanctions lifted by ratification of the agreements that would allow EU funds to flow again.

"Kosovo is the only one left on the edge and without these funds."