FaceOf: Rami Al-Sakran, manager at Royal Commission for Al-Ula
Al-Sakran has an associate’s degree in technical support from Riyadh College of Technology, and a bachelor’s in information systems from the University of Texas in San Antonio
Al-Sakran has worked for a number of Saudi companies, including the National Water Co. and Alkhorayef Group Co
Updated 20 February 2019
Arab News
Rami Al-Sakran has been the capabilities development manager for the Royal Commission for Al-Ula since January 2019.
He has an associate’s degree in technical support from Riyadh College of Technology, and a bachelor’s in information systems from the University of Texas in San Antonio. He gained his master’s in management, and a doctorate of education in educational leadership, both from Sam Houston State University.
Previously, he served as a business planning analyst at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, an information technology and services provider in Houston, Texas, for a year and seven months. He also worked for US firm National Oilwell Varco, a leading designer and manufacturer of oil and gas drilling equipment, as a business analyst between 2014 and 2016.
Al-Sakran has worked for a number of Saudi companies, including the National Water Co. and Alkhorayef Group Co. as a computer technician. He was also an adjunct lecturer at Riyadh College of Technology between August 2004 and January 2005.
The Royal Commission for Al-Ula recently launched the second phase of its overseas scholarship program, giving students the chance to study at universities in the US, UK, France and Australia.
Al-Sakran said the program was one of four strands in a community development plan, and that local people were key to the success of turning Al-Ula into a major tourist destination.
“Locals, locals, locals. Without the locals, we cannot succeed” he told Arab News.
Saudi Arabia Railways breaks records in 2025: 14 million passengers and 30 million tonnes of freight
Transporting 30 million tons of freight via rail in 2025 meant 2 million truck journeys removed from Kingdom’s highways and 139 million liters of fuel saved
It also meant a reduction of carbon emissions by 364,000 tons, contributing directly to the Saudi Green Initiative
Updated 07 February 2026
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has announced record-breaking operational milestones for the year 2025, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s logistics and tourism sectors.
SAR transported over 14 million passengers, representing a significant leap from the 11.2 million passengers recorded in 2023, highlighting the increasing adoption of rail travel for both commuting and pilgrimage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Similarly, freight operations have expanded robustly from approximately 24 million tonnes in 2023 to the current 30 million tonnes, driven by increased industrial demand and mining logistics.
By transporting 30 million tonnes of freight via rail in 2025, the network successfully removed two million truck journeys from the Kingdom’s highways, resulting in 139 million liters of fuel saved.
It also meant a reduction of carbon emissions by 364,000 tonnes, contributing directly to the Saudi Green Initiative, the report said.
These figures underscore SAR’s pivotal role in realizing the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) and Saudi Vision 2030, delivering a network that is not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable.
“Dream of the Desert”
A standout achievement of 2025 was the official launch of the Dream of the Desert, the first luxury train service in the Middle East and North Africa.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and SAR Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser unveiled the first “Dream of the Desert” carriage last October as one of the FII9 highlights. (SPA file photo)
Developed in partnership with the Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale Group, this service has redefined rail tourism. The train features 40 custom-designed luxury cabins, offering a “rail cruise” experience inspired by the classic Orient Express but with a distinct Saudi Arabian identity. The route traverses the Kingdom from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, stopping at key cultural heritage sites including Ha’il and Al-Jouf, effectively turning the journey itself into a destination.
In a major move to capitalize on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), SAR announced the establishment of a SAR6 billion real estate fund focused on Makkah.
This fund is dedicated to developing prime lands adjacent to the Haramain High Speed Railway station in Makkah. The initiative aims to enhance the pilgrim experience by constructing high-capacity hotels, commercial centers, and residential units directly linked to the station. This development not only diversifies SAR’s revenue streams but also supports the government’s goal of hosting 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by seamlessly integrating transport and accommodation.
Global Recognition
Internationally, SAR’s commitment to excellence was recognized on the global stage. SAR became the first company to win the prestigious International Union of Railways (UIC) award for long-distance tourist trains.
The ceremony was held at the union’s headquarters in Paris, France, with broad participation from major railway companies worldwide.
The UIC, known as the worldwide railway organization, presented the award in recognition of SAR’s innovation in integrating luxury tourism with heavy rail infrastructure.
This accolade cements SAR’s reputation for service quality and places the Kingdom on the map as a premier destination for railway enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.
