Saudi Arabia unveils design of region’s first luxury train

Saudi Arabia unveils design of region’s first luxury train
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Inspired by the desert landscape and traditional Saudi architecture, the interiors feature refined craftsmanship, earthy tones, luxurious textiles, and intricate decorative details (SPA)
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Updated 28 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia unveils design of region’s first luxury train

Saudi Arabia unveils design of region’s first luxury train

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Railways and Italian hospitality company Arsenale have unveiled the final designs of the Dream of the Desert train, the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, this announcement marks a significant milestone in executing the agreement signed last year between Saudi Arabia Railways and Arsenale.

Inspired by the desert landscape and traditional Saudi architecture, the interiors feature refined craftsmanship, earthy tones, luxurious textiles, and intricate decorative details, SPA reported.

Architectural elements and motifs from iconic Saudi landmarks — including Hegra and Hail — are elegantly incorporated into the train’s design, offering passengers a journey that is both visually stunning and culturally enriching.

The train consists of 14 carriages housing 34 luxury suites, providing an exclusive and intimate experience for travelers, according to a press release.

Departing from Riyadh, the train will traverse the Northern Railway network, allowing guests to explore some of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking heritage and natural sites.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the train will feature curated cultural programs, enabling passengers to experience Saudi traditions in an immersive and engaging way.

Additionally, the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Development Authorities Support Center are designing unique tourism itineraries that integrate seamlessly with the train journey, offering guests an unparalleled insight into Saudi heritage.

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabia Railways Saleh Al-Jasser said: “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.”

Saudi Arabia Railways CEO Bashar Al-Malik said: “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.”

CEO of Arsenale Group Paolo Barletta said: “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.

“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.”


International padel stars predict bright future for the sport in Saudi Arabia and beyond

International padel stars predict bright future for the sport in Saudi Arabia and beyond
Updated 58 min 57 sec ago
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International padel stars predict bright future for the sport in Saudi Arabia and beyond

International padel stars predict bright future for the sport in Saudi Arabia and beyond
  • They were competing in the Premier Padel Riyadh Season P1 tournament, which reached the round of 16 stage in the men’s and women’s competitions
  • Among those in action on Wednesday were the Spanish duo of Paula Martin and Ariana Fallada, who sit joint top of the International Padel Federation women’s rankings

RIYADH: As the round of 16 in the Premier Padel Riyadh Season P1 tournament concluded on Wednesday, the winning players predicted a bright future for a relatively new sport that is growing in popularity around the world.

The competition at the Padel Rush Arena in Boulevard City, which features separate men’s and women’s doubles events, began on Saturday with two days of preliminary qualifiers, followed by the opening rounds of the contest proper on Monday and Tuesday.

Today’s winners progress to the quarterfinals on Thursday, with the semifinals on Friday and the tournament reaching its climax on Saturday. All in all the event will feature 71 matches in the men’s competition and 43 in the women’s.

Among those in action on Wednesday were the Spanish duo of Paula Martin and Ariana Fallada, who are joint top of the International Padel Federation women’s rankings. They enjoyed a comfortable 6-1, 6-0 victory over French player Alix Collombon and Spaniard Araceli Martinez.

Martin told Arab News that playing in Riyadh felt like home and she has noticed increased interest in the sport in the Kingdom.

“I was very surprised because there are so many people here … I can say there is an increase and (it is) growing, and that is the reason we are here,” she said.

Argentinian player Delfina Senesi highlighted the importance of advocating for the participation of women in sports.

“I think it’s fundamental for everyone, (for) every woman to see that they can play, that they can do anything that we want,” she said. “It’s very important for us to be here, to be in Saudi Arabia. We’re really happy to start the year here.”

Senesi and her Spanish playing player, Gemma Pons, who were playing together competitively for the first time, secured a hard-fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Spanish players Andrea Prieto and Alejandra De Villa on Wednesday.

“It was a long match, a really difficult one. The girls are playing really good. Everyone is getting better year by year, so we’re really happy,” said Senesi.

Asked what is the secret to success in the sport, she said: “The secret is working, working hard, every day; work on your mental health, work on your body is the key.”

Pons said that the match was difficult and she and Senesi struggled a little in the middle, but it came together in the end.

“We started the match really well and then they played, really good,” she said. “But this is really nice for us — 6-4 in the third set is great and, well, now we have to rest and prepare for the next match.”

In the men’s competition, Spaniard Javier Garrido and his Argentinian partner Martin Di Nenno defeated Javier Leal and Carlos Gutierrez 6-4, 6-2. Garrido said everyone who plays padel falls in love with the sport.

“I think for the players it’s really, really good because our sport is pretty new and we are trying to expand our sport all over the world,” he added. “Here in Riyadh, a lot of people like the sport and I think it’s super good for us.

“I’m sure that (padel) is going to explode, I don’t know, this year or next year but … when you play padel, when you try padel, you are going to love it.”

Among the spectators on Wednesday was Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The tournament is the first stop on this year’s Premier Padel World Tour and forms part of the Riyadh Season of events. The 2024 campaign tour featured 24 tournaments in 16 countries.

Padel is a racket sport most often played in doubles on a court that is slightly smaller than a tennis court, which has walls and the ball can be played off them.


Saudi foreign minister meets French counterpart in Paris

Saudi foreign minister meets French counterpart in Paris
Updated 13 February 2025
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Saudi foreign minister meets French counterpart in Paris

Saudi foreign minister meets French counterpart in Paris
  • Ministers discussed recent developments in the Middle East
  • Prince Faisal headed Saudi Arabia's delegation at the AI Action Summit in Paris

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, met his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, in Paris on Wednesday.

The ministers discussed recent developments in the Middle East and efforts to achieve security and peace in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Fahd Al-Ruwaili, the Saudi Ambassador to France, and Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, the political advisor to the Foreign Minister, attended the meeting.

Prince Faisal headed the Kingdom's delegation at the AI Action Summit held in Paris this week, which gathered nearly a hundred countries and over a thousand representatives from the private sector and civil society around the globe.


Madinah governor receives Palestine envoy

Madinah governor receives Palestine envoy
Updated 12 February 2025
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Madinah governor receives Palestine envoy

Madinah governor receives Palestine envoy

Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan met with Palestine’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Mazen Ghoneim on Wednesday.

During the meeting in Madinah, the two officials discussed topics of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Mauritius Fayez Altemyat met with the nation’s Health and Wellness Minister Anil Kumar Bachoo in Port Louis.

They discussed ways to boost ties and topics of common interest.


Saudi Film Commission to host pavilion at Berlin Film Festival

Saudi Film Commission to host pavilion at Berlin Film Festival
Updated 12 February 2025
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Saudi Film Commission to host pavilion at Berlin Film Festival

Saudi Film Commission to host pavilion at Berlin Film Festival
  • Kingdom to showcase growing influence in global film industry
  • Commission aims to enhance cultural exchange, empower Saudi talents

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission is to participate in the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, which takes place from Feb. 13 to 23.

The body is hosting a Saudi pavilion with key partners to showcase the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global film industry and its strategy to become a top destination for filmmakers and producers.

It is organizing a roundtable session at the festival called “Will 2025 be the Year of Independent Films at the Global Box Office?” This will bring together film industry leaders to discuss future challenges and opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The commission also aims to enhance cultural exchange, empower Saudi talents, and develop the skills of emerging filmmakers in the Kingdom.

An official delegation from the commission — accompanied by a group of filmmakers — is set to attend the Berlin festival, one of Europe’s top film events, which is known for presenting the prestigious Golden Bear award for best film.

The festival, which was established in 1951, features a variety of films, including documentaries, experimental works, and feature films.


Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium launches in Riyadh

A large crowd of enthusiasts and professionals attend a preview event for the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium.
A large crowd of enthusiasts and professionals attend a preview event for the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium.
Updated 12 February 2025
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Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium launches in Riyadh

A large crowd of enthusiasts and professionals attend a preview event for the Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium.
  • Sculptures were created during a live public exhibition last month
  • Works will be displayed across the city after event ends

RIYADH: The sixth annual Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium began in Riyadh on Wednesday with 30 works of art created during a live sculpting exhibition at Roshn Front last month.

Held under the theme “From Then to Now: Joy in the Struggle of Making,” the event runs until Feb. 24.

The annual symposium brings together local and international artists, and includes a series of workshops, educational trips and interactive talks.

Organizers have announced that all sculptures created during the event will become part of the permanent collection of Riyadh Art.

These sculptures will be placed in prominent public spaces across the city, complementing the 35 sculptures from previous editions of the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, which were installed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.

Among the prominent additions to Riyadh Art’s permanent collection are “LOVE (Red Outside Blue Inside)” by American artist Robert Indiana and “Janey Waney” by American artist Alexander Calder, both located at the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station.

Additionally, “Sun” by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone was recently installed at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.

Riyadh Art is dedicated to installing more than 1,000 public artworks throughout the city as part of its efforts to enhance and diversify Riyadh’s cultural landscape.

The symposium showcases works created at Roshn Front during a live public sculpting phase which took place from Jan. 15-Feb. 8. The event featured artists from a range of backgrounds.

Out of more than 750 applications from around the world, 30 artists from 23 countries were selected. The artists represent a wide range of sculptural traditions and contemporary practices, with each piece reflecting this year’s theme.

Sebastian Betancur-Montoya, curator of the 2025 Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, said: “The exhibition is the culmination of weeks of dedication, artistic exchange and craftsmanship.

“These sculptures are not merely temporary installations; they are part of an ongoing cultural dialogue that connects history with modernity, contributing to the development of Riyadh’s public art scene.”

As part of the public engagement program for the live sculpting phase, which features group discussions, workshops, training sessions and guided tours, the exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to interact with the artists’ creative processes and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of contemporary sculpture.

Tuwaiq Sculpture is a key program within the Riyadh Grand Projects, an initiative launched by King Salman in 2019.