Saudi Arabia’s Revolutionizes Travel Industry with Groundbreaking Rail Achievements, Surpassing Fourteen Million Passengers and Setting New Milestones in 2025

In 2025, Saudi Arabia’s rail network achieved unparalleled success, surpassing 14 million passengers, a remarkable milestone that underscores the Kingdom’s transformative impact on national travel and logistics. This surge in rail travel reflects the growing preference for efficient, eco-friendly transportation options, driven by the country’s expanding infrastructure and the increasing demand for both daily commuting and religious pilgrimages. Additionally, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) played a pivotal role in boosting the logistics sector, with a significant increase in freight handling, contributing to a reduction in road congestion and supporting the Kingdom’s broader sustainability and economic growth objectives. These achievements align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, positioning SAR as a central player in Saudi Arabia’s evolving transportation landscape.

Saudi Arabia Railways Achieves Historic Milestones in 2025, Strengthening Its Role in National Logistics and Tourism Growth

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has achieved remarkable operational milestones in 2025, underscoring its critical role in supporting the Kingdom’s economic development, logistics, and tourism sectors. These achievements are directly aligned with the country’s broader objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, further solidifying SAR’s position as a key driver of sustainable development.

One of the standout accomplishments of SAR in 2025 was the impressive surge in passenger numbers. The railway network transported over 14 million passengers, a notable increase from the 11.2 million recorded in 2023. This growth reflects a growing demand for rail travel, not only for daily commuting but also for the large number of religious pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina for Umrah and Hajj. The increase in rail passengers indicates a shift in the Kingdom’s travel preferences, with more people opting for efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly modes of transportation.

Revolutionizing Freight Transportation

On the logistics side, SAR also made significant strides, reporting a remarkable 30 million tonnes of freight handled in 2025, up from 24 million tonnes in 2023. This growth was largely driven by increased demand for industrial and mining logistics. The shift of freight from trucks to rail has had a profound impact on reducing congestion on the country’s highways, while also promoting sustainability. By moving 30 million tonnes of goods via rail, SAR successfully removed approximately two million truck journeys from the road, resulting in a savings of 139 million liters of fuel.

This transition to rail transport has also contributed significantly to reducing carbon emissions. By moving freight more efficiently, SAR helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 364,000 tonnes, which aligns with the Kingdom’s broader environmental goals, including those set out under the Saudi Green Initiative. This accomplishment is a clear reflection of SAR’s commitment to supporting the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) and its alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework.

Introducing the “Dream of the Desert” Luxury Train

In 2025, SAR unveiled a groundbreaking project: the “Dream of the Desert,” the first luxury train service in the Middle East and North Africa. This exclusive rail journey, created in collaboration with the renowned Italian hospitality brand Arsenale Group, represents a new era for rail tourism in the region. The train features 40 opulent, custom-designed cabins, offering travelers a “rail cruise” experience akin to the legendary Orient Express but with a unique Saudi flair.

The Dream of the Desert travels across the Kingdom, connecting major cities such as Riyadh and Al Qurayyat, while making stops at culturally significant locations like Ha’il and Al-Jouf. The train journey is designed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich history and cultural heritage, offering passengers an exceptional experience of luxury, comfort, and immersive local culture. This service marks a significant step in SAR’s broader strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a world-class destination for rail tourism, drawing high-end travelers from around the globe.

Transforming Makkah with Transit-Oriented Development

In another bold move, SAR launched a SAR6 billion real estate fund to develop prime real estate adjacent to the Haramain High-Speed Railway station in Makkah. This ambitious project is expected to transform the city’s infrastructure by creating high-capacity hotels, residential complexes, and commercial spaces. These developments are strategically designed to support the millions of pilgrims who visit Makkah each year, enhancing the convenience and experience for religious travelers.

This integrated transport and real estate initiative is expected to support the government’s goal of welcoming 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually. By linking hotels, shopping centers, and residential properties directly to the railway station, SAR is not only expanding its services but also fostering economic growth and tourism in Makkah. This development also plays a crucial role in the Kingdom’s long-term goals of creating a more diversified and sustainable economy.

International Recognition and Innovation Excellence

The global rail community has also taken note of SAR’s achievements in 2025. The company was awarded the prestigious International Union of Railways (UIC) award for its long-distance tourist trains. This marks the first time that a Middle Eastern railway company has received such recognition. The award, presented at the UIC headquarters in Paris, commended SAR’s innovative approach to integrating luxury tourism with traditional rail infrastructure.

SAR’s achievements in rail tourism were praised for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in luxury train services, placing Saudi Arabia firmly on the map as a global destination for rail enthusiasts and travelers seeking a unique, high-end experience. This recognition further underscores SAR’s leadership in the regional railway sector and its ability to successfully blend tradition with modernity.

Looking Ahead: SAR’s Future in Saudi Arabia’s Rail Network

As SAR continues to break new records and innovate, the future of the Kingdom’s rail network looks brighter than ever. The successful expansion of passenger services, freight operations, luxury tourism offerings, and real estate projects all contribute to SAR’s role in shaping the Kingdom’s transportation landscape. Furthermore, the company’s contributions to environmental sustainability and economic growth reinforce its importance in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

In the years to come, SAR is expected to continue playing a central role in transforming Saudi Arabia into a global hub for logistics, tourism, and sustainable development. With plans for further expansion, improved connectivity, and continued innovation in luxury services, Saudi Arabia Railways is poised to remain a key player in the Kingdom’s ambitious growth agenda.

In 2025, Saudi Arabia’s rail network exceeded 14 million passengers, marking a pivotal achievement in enhancing national travel and logistics. This growth supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, positioning Saudi Arabia Railways as a key driver of economic and sustainable development.

As Saudi Arabia moves toward a future of diversified economic development, SAR’s achievements in 2025 provide a strong foundation for the nation’s transportation and tourism industries. With the continued support of Vision 2030, SAR is set to help lead the Kingdom into an era of unparalleled growth, both in terms of economic prosperity and global prestige.

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