RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Railways has announced record-breaking operational milestones for 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.
Freight operations have expanded from about 24 million tonnes in 2023 to the current 30 million, driven by increased industrial demand and mining logistics.
By transporting 30 million tonnes of freight via rail in 2025, the network successfully removed 2 million truck journeys from the Kingdom’s highways, resulting in 139 million liters of fuel being saved.
It also meant a reduction of carbon emissions by 364,000 tonnes to contribute directly to the Saudi Green Initiative.
These figures underscore SAR’s pivotal role in realizing the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, delivering a network that is not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable.
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)
Dream of the Desert
A standout achievement from 2025 was the official launch of the Dream of the Desert, the first luxury train service in the Middle East and North Africa.
Developed in partnership with the Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale Group, the 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 Hail and Jouf, effectively turning the journey itself into a destination.
In a major move to capitalize on Transit-Oriented Development, SAR has announced the establishment of a SR6 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 integrating transport and accommodation.
Global recognition
SAR’s commitment to excellence has been recognized internationally as it has become the first company to win the prestigious International Union of Railways 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, the worldwide railway organization, presented the award in recognition of SAR’s innovation in integrating luxury tourism with heavy rail infrastructure.
The 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.
