Dream Of The Desert: Saudi Arabia Unveils First Luxury Train

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 29, 2025

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality firm Arsenale have revealed the final designs for the Dream of the Desert, the Kingdom’s first five-star luxury train. This marks a major step in redefining rail travel in the region, blending modern elegance with Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage. The announcement coincides with the visit of Italy’s Prime Minister to the Kingdom.

The project is part of an agreement between SAR and Arsenale, announced last year, and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing luxury tourism. The train’s interiors are inspired by the desert landscape and traditional Saudi architecture, featuring earthy tones, intricate patterns, and influences from iconic landmarks such as Madain Saleh and Hail.

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Exclusive Onboard Experience

Dream of the Desert consists of 14 carriages housing 34 luxury suites, designed to provide an intimate, high-end travel experience. The train is envisioned as a moving five-star destination, setting new standards for premium rail travel. Departing from Riyadh, it will traverse SAR’s Northern Railway network, offering breathtaking views of Saudi Arabia’s heritage and natural wonders.

A Tribute To Saudi Culture

The train’s interiors are designed to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural essence, with reception lounges inspired by traditional majlis settings, featuring hand-carved wooden elements and geometric patterns. Dining will blend heritage and sophistication, offering menus crafted in collaboration with top chefs. Passengers will also experience the Kingdom’s artistic heritage through curated art pieces and photography displayed along the train’s corridors.

Dream of the Desert is set to launch operations by Q3 2026, with booking details to be announced soon. This pioneering project is poised to redefine luxury travel in Saudi Arabia, offering an exclusive and culturally immersive journey unlike any other in the region.

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Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

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IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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