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RIYADH: Luxury train tourism in ����ֱ�� took another step forward as the Kingdom unveiled the design mock-up of its first ultra-luxury rail service, Dream of the Desert, at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh. 

The showcase marks a new milestone for the project, previously announced by Italy’s Arsenale Group in collaboration with ����ֱ�� Railways. The Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, and the Transport General Authority, are also part of the project, as well as the Ministry of Culture, and the Saudi Tourism Authority, according to a press release. 

The service, slated to launch in late 2026, is part of the Kingdom’s broader push to expand high-end tourism offerings under Vision 2030.   

Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, said: “Dream of the Desert is a moving masterpiece born from the dialogue between Italian craftsmanship and Saudi vision.”

He added: “It marks the beginning of a new global platform redefining ultra-luxury travel – one that celebrates heritage, creativity, and a deep respect for local identity while carrying the world’s most discerning travellers through the heart of ����ֱ��’s landscapes and traditions.” 

The train will feature 31 private suites and two presidential suites, accommodating a maximum of 66 guests. The train’s interiors will draw inspiration from the Saudi landscape, featuring desert-inspired hues, rich wood carvings, and custom Murano glass lighting that evokes traditional oriental lanterns. 

Guests will have access to two restaurant cars offering a choice between authentic local cuisine and international menus with Italian fusion influences, all curated to a Michelin-level standard. A central Majlis lounge will provide a space for socializing and relaxation. 

Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, ����ֱ��’s minister of transport and logistics services and chairman of ����ֱ�� Railways, said the unveiling of the luxury train underscores the remarkable transformation of the Kingdom’s railway sector and its progress toward offering world-class travel experiences. 

He added that the project stems from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to introduce modern, tourism-focused transport options that enhance quality of life.  

Al-Jasser also noted that the initiative reflects rising foreign investment in the Kingdom’s transport and logistics ecosystem, supported by leading international partners. 

The inaugural journeys, lasting one to two nights, will depart from Riyadh and traverse approximately 1,300 km of existing railway lines.

RIYADH: Jeddah’s real estate pipeline is surging with 310,000 sq. meters of retail space rolled out this year, together with 1,000 new branded residential units and over 30,000 more hotel keys by 2030, according to JLL.

Speaking at its annual roundtable in Jeddah, the global real estate firm said the city’s expanding pipeline — spanning residential, hospitality, and mixed-use projects — underscores its growing role in ����ֱ��’s Vision 2030 agenda.

JLL said the development pipeline reflects broader national progress, particularly in Riyadh, which accounts for over $1.2 trillion in total project value, with contract awards projected to reach about $569 billion by the end of 2025, citing MEED Projects data. 

Saud Al-Sulaimani, country lead and head of Capital Markets at JLL ����ֱ��, said: “Jeddah is pivotal to ����ֱ��’s Vision 2030, offering significant investor opportunities.”  

He added that national priorities are pivoting, aligning projects with objectives and fostering private sector collaboration, alongside evolving PIF delivery structures. 

“These strategic shifts and evolving market fundamentals are crucial for long-term market stabilization and will drive a focus on premium assets,” Al-Sulaimani said, adding that easing construction costs is fundamentally reshaping the market. 

The firm noted that branded residences — once tied mainly to hospitality — are increasingly co-developed with lifestyle, automotive, and fashion brands. The segment’s supply is expected to rise from 400 units to 1,400.

Faris Maqdah, director of Strategic Consulting at JLL, said: “Jeddah’s branded residential sector is experiencing notable development, with around 1,000 branded residential units planned for delivery by 2030.” 

He added: “Market interest in these developments continues to evolve, with success dependent on developers delivering the right product-price combination that balances quality and service standards with affordability considerations.” 

Retail expansion is also on the rise, with 310,000 sq. meters of new gross leasable area expected in 2025 — an increase of more than 10 percent from current stock. 

These developments are increasingly integrated into mixed-use projects that cater to evolving consumer preferences.  

“The retail landscape is also undergoing significant transformation, driven by consumer demand for convenience and integrated lifestyle offerings,” Maqdah added.  

“These developments present compelling opportunities for developers and investors to meet Jeddah’s evolving demographic preferences and activate new micro-clusters that enhance the end-user experience,” he added. 

Hospitality growth remains strong, with a 6 percent compound annual growth rate from 2020 to 2025.  

According to Sarah Gasim, senior vice president and head of hotels at JLL ����ֱ��, the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034 — where ����ֱ�� is the confirmed host — is expected to further accelerate development.  

“Strategic preparations are already underway, with lessons drawn from the Qatar World Cup’s impact on regional infrastructure and hospitality sectors,” she noted. 

JLL also highlighted the city’s resilient office market, where tight supply of Grade A space continues to support rental growth and drive a “flight to quality.”