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Tag: desert

  • Saudi Arabia’s New Venture with ‘Dream of the Desert’ Train

    Saudi Arabia’s New Venture with ‘Dream of the Desert’ Train

    In the heart of the desert, Saudi Arabia introduces its latest venture, a luxurious train named ‘Dream of the Desert’. This train promises opulence both inside and out, setting a new standard for luxury travel in the region.

    Dream of the Desert

    Scheduled to be operational by the end of 2025, ‘Dream of the Desert’ will cover a maximum distance of 1300 km from Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. With a top speed of 300 km per hour, it aims to provide swift and luxurious travel experiences for its passengers.

    The train will feature 40 lavish cabins, meticulously designed to reflect Saudi tradition and heritage. With a capacity to accommodate up to 82 passengers, it offers the perfect blend of comfort and elegance for its guests.

    Designed for short trips of one or two nights, ‘Dream of the Desert’ marks the Middle East’s first venture into luxury train travel. The expansion of railway lines in the north-western region of Saudi Arabia is underway to facilitate high-speed operations.

    To bring this ambitious project to life, Saudi Arabia has partnered with the Italian service provider Arsenal Group, signing a deal worth 53.33 million dollars. The investment underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its tourism offerings and attracting visitors from around the world.

    Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has been actively promoting luxury train travel as part of its tourism initiatives. With ‘Dream of the Desert’, the country aims to compete with renowned luxury trains in South Korea and Japan, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the industry.

    As the project unfolds, it is expected to elevate the tourism experience in Saudi Arabia, offering travelers a unique opportunity to explore the desert landscape in unparalleled comfort and style. ‘Dream of the Desert’ promises to add a new dimension to luxury travel, making it an enticing prospect for tourists seeking memorable adventures in the heart of the desert.

  • The Mauritanian Express: Lifeline of the Desert

    The Mauritanian Express: Lifeline of the Desert

    In the vast expanse of the Sahara desert, a remarkable train cuts through the hot sands, connecting distant regions with its iron tracks. Known as the Mauritanian Express, this train holds the title of the world’s longest freight train, stretching across the desert for a staggering distance.

    Mauritanian Express

    Spanning a length of 2.1 kilometers, the Mauritanian Express embarked on its inaugural journey back in 1963. Since then, it has been a lifeline for the desert communities, traversing a distance of 704 kilometers in approximately 20 hours. Laden with 17 thousand metric tons of iron ore, this train serves as a vital transporter of resources, with enough iron to construct an entire Eiffel Tower.

    Despite its primary role as a freight train, the Mauritanian Express also caters to passengers, albeit in iron carriages. Along its route, temporary stations are erected using tents, providing essential stops for travelers journeying through the desert. In a region where only 0.2 percent of the land is arable and the average temperature soars to 40 degrees Celsius, the train becomes a vital link for accessing food and supplies.

    For the inhabitants of the Sahara, the Mauritanian Express represents their sole connection to the outside world. In times of drought, when the desert becomes inhospitable, sections of the Bedouin and Arab populations seek refuge near the train tracks. A small city accommodating up to eight thousand people has been established to provide shelter and sustenance.

    The train’s significance extends beyond its transportation role; it also facilitates commerce and trade along its route. As the train carrying iron ore makes its journey, local residents seize the opportunity to exchange goods. Fish, caught from distant waters, are brought and sold approximately 650 kilometers away, highlighting the train’s role in supporting local economies.

    Mauretania, a West African country abundant in natural resources, relies heavily on iron ore as its primary source of income. The Mauritanian Express serves as the backbone of this industry, ferrying vast quantities of ore across the desert landscape. Its immense weight and capacity make it a formidable presence, earning it the distinction of being the heaviest train in the world.

  • The Eye of the Sahara: The Mystery Hidden in the Desert

    The Eye of the Sahara: The Mystery Hidden in the Desert

    In the vast desert, there exists a remarkable formation known as the Eye of the Sahara, resembling a colossal eye, with a diameter of 45 kilometers. Often referred to as the blue eye of Africa, this geological mystery reveals its intricate structure best when viewed from a bird’s eye perspective, rather than the flat plains below.

    Eye of the Sahara

    First identified by an American space mission in 1965, this enigmatic structure has captured the fascination of many. Astronauts even use it as a landmark in space due to its distinctive appearance.

    Theories abound regarding the formation of the Eye of the Sahara. Initially, it was speculated to be a meteorite impact crater due to its eye-like appearance from above. However, alternative theories propose that this unique structure is the result of erosion, with the Earth’s geological features gradually wearing away over time.

    Some even suggested a more dramatic origin, proposing that a secret nuclear bomb test conducted by a country might have caused this peculiar formation. Another theory posits volcanic activity as the culprit behind the Eye of the Sahara.

    The geological composition of the structure adds to its intrigue. The rocks inside the crater differ significantly from those on the outer rim. Researchers have found rocks dating back 104 million years, suggesting that the formation might have occurred during the split of the supercontinent Pangea.

    Scientists are drawn to this geological wonder because of the diverse array of rocks it contains, offering valuable insights into Earth’s ancient history. Ongoing research aims to unravel more mysteries concealed within the Eye of the Sahara, reminding us that our planet still holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.