RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan 25: Passengers on Saudi Arabia's railways are set to experience a new level of luxury with the debut of the Italian-made "Dream of the Desert" train. In a groundbreaking move for the Middle East and North Africa region, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has entered into a SR200 million ($53 million) deal with the Italian Arsenale Group to introduce this innovative service.

The formal agreement was signed in Riyadh on January 25, with SAR's CEO, Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik, and Chairman of the Italian group, Paolo Barletta, putting pen to paper. Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, who also serves as SAR chairman, was also present during the signing ceremony.

This significant development follows the initial memorandum of understanding signed by the two parties on March 15, 2023, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. The collaboration aims to elevate the train travel experience in the kingdom, bringing a touch of Italian luxury to Saudi railways.