Which Country First Luxury Train 'Dream of the Desert' Set to Launch First In The Middle East?

Daily Current Affairs

Saudi Arabia

Qatar

Egypt

United Arab Emirates

Correct Answer : Saudi Arabia

There’s a new luxury train on the horizon that is aiming to enter the pantheon of classic trains and iconic rail journeys like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Royal Scotsman, and Africa’s Rovos Rail.

It’s called Dream of the Desert, and it promises to offer a luxurious and eye-opening journey through Saudi Arabia. It is also the first luxury train in the Middle East.

The 800-mile trip will begin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city, and travel northwest toward the border with Jordan. The route will pass through long stretches of scenic deserts and UNESCO World Heritage archeological sites. Highlights include the city of Ha’il, the Al-Qassim province, and the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve in Al Jouf. The journey will conclude at Al-Qurayat, near the Jordanian border. Passengers will be able to book one or two-night trips.

The luxury train is a partnership between the state-owned railway company Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and the Italian hospitality company Arsenale Group that is said to be worth 200 million Saudi riyals ($53.32 million).

The Arsenale Group is an Italian luxury brand company. It has launched Soho House Roma, Hotel Santavenere Maratea, the new Orient Express La Dolce Vita train in Italy, and three luxury hotels that will debut in 2024: Orient Express La Minerva, Rome; Orienet Express Palazzo Dona Giovannelli Venice; and Abbazia di Spinetto in Tuscany. The company refers to the Dream of the Desert rail journey as “luxury train cruising.”

Dream of the Desert will have 40 cars and will carry 82 passengers, with a fine dining restaurant and a lounge bar, among other amenities. Arsenale says that the design is inspired by “Saudi style and tradition” and that the trains will be “fully-customized” and are already under construction. The train is tentatively scheduled to finish production in the summer of 2025 and begin running by the end of 2025.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia country was long sealed off from Western visitors and only began to welcome international tourists in 2019. It has already spent many billions in the effort to attract visitors, most notably at NEOM, a new urban development area that’s to be built from the ground up in northwestern Tabuk Province, north of the Red Sea, east of Egypt, and across the Gulf of Aqaba.

Developments include the island of Sindalah in the Red Sea and Trojena, a ski resort in the NEOM mountains. The country’s stated goal is to invest more than $800 billion into tourism development in the next decade, hoping to welcome an astonishing 70 million international tourists a year by 2030.

Dream of the Desert is Saudi Arabia’s reach for not only the luxury train travel market but also taps into the current travel trends of experiential travel, cultural travel, and slow travel. Luxury train travel is also one of the most romantic ways to travel, harkening back to the 1920s and 1930s and Agatha Christie mysteries. It could well help soften the country’s current image abroad..

Source : Forbes

Published On : February 15, 2024

Food Basket Inflation Remains Elevated :

Despite the overall moderation in inflation, the inflation rate in the food basket grew at 8.7 per cent in April, up from 8.52 per cent in March, as per data from the National Statistical Office (NSO). Notably, India’s vegetable inflation slightly decreased to 27.80 per cent year-on-year compared to 28.30 per cent in March. However, inflation rates for cereals and pulses, crucial components of India’s staple diet, remained elevated at 8.63 per cent and 16.84 per cent, respectively.

Contractions in Fuel and Light Inflation :

In contrast to the food sector, the inflation rate for fuel and light witnessed a contraction of (-)4.24 per cent in April, reflecting a downward trend in energy prices.

Inflation Trends Across Various Commodities :

Among the top five groups, the year-on-year inflation in categories like ‘Clothing & Footwear’, ‘Housing’, and ‘Fuel & Light’ has decreased since the previous month. Specifically, the inflation rates for clothing & footwear and the housing sector stood at 2.85 per cent and 2.68 per cent, respectively.

Published On : May 14, 2024

Q .

Which District is the Entry Point of Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh?

Bijnor

Amroha

Rampur

Budaun

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Bijnor

After originating from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, the Ganga flows into the plains and enters the state of UP. Uttar Pradesh witnesses the entry of the Ganga River from the Bijnor district.

India boasts numerous rivers, with some originating in the Himalayas while others stem from the major mountain ranges across the subcontinent. Among them, the Ganga River holds a revered status as the holiest and most prominent river in northern India. After emerging from the Himalayas, the Ganga traverses primarily through the state of Uttar Pradesh, playing a vital role in its economy and culture.

Ganga, the Longest River in India :

When it comes to the longest rivers in India, the Ganga River takes the lead. It spans a total length of 2525 kilometers, traversing through multiple states and serving as a lifeline for millions of people. However, it’s essential to note that while the Ganga is the longest river in terms of its course within India, in some regions, it merges with the Brahmaputra River, forming a vast network of water bodies.

Entry Point of Ganga River into Uttar Pradesh :

Uttar Pradesh witnesses the entry of the Ganga River from the Bijnor district. From there, it flows through various cities and towns, enriching the landscape and influencing the lives of millions. The river’s significance extends beyond just geographical boundaries, as it holds immense cultural, religious, and economic value for the people of Uttar Pradesh and India as a whole.

Published On : May 14, 2024

Q .

Which State of United States is Known as 'The Centennial State'?

Wyoming

Colorado

New Mexico

Pennsylvania

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Colorado

Colorado earned the nickname "The Centennial State" due to its admission into the Union in 1876, precisely a century after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Which State of United States is Known as “The Centennial State”?

Colorado holds the distinction of being known as “The Centennial State” among the United States. This nickname stems from its admission into the Union in 1876, precisely 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Symbolizing both historical significance and patriotic pride, the title highlights Colorado’s role in commemorating the nation’s centennial while underscoring its rich heritage and contributions to American history.

The Origin of the Nickname “The Centennial State” :

Colorado earned the moniker “The Centennial State” due to its admission into the Union in the year 1876. This year held special significance as it marked the centennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a pivotal event in American history. The timing of Colorado’s statehood celebration perfectly aligned with the nation’s centennial celebrations, hence the fitting nickname.

Published On : May 13, 2024