In a significant boost to Saudi Arabia’s rail transport ambitions, Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler has partnered with global engineering giant Rolls-Royce to supply high-performance engines for a fleet of new trains that will operate on the strategic Riyadh–Dammam corridor. The collaboration will see 50 state-of-the-art MTU Series 4000 engines powering 10 newly manufactured trains for the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), as the Kingdom pushes forward with plans to modernize and expand its rail infrastructure.
The new trains are part of the “Orient Express” service, a key component of SAR’s long-distance passenger transport vision. According to figures released alongside the announcement, the addition of these new trainsets is projected to more than double the route’s annual passenger capacity — from 1.8 million to an impressive 3.8 million travellers — significantly improving connectivity between the capital, Riyadh, and the eastern port city of Dammam.
Stadler, known globally for producing high-performance, energy-efficient rail solutions, will handle the manufacturing of the 10 new trainsets. Each unit will be equipped with five of Rolls-Royce’s MTU Series 4000 engines, renowned for their durability, fuel efficiency, and compliance with the latest emission standards. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy under Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and invest heavily in transportation, infrastructure, and tourism.
The deployment of these advanced trains is expected to greatly enhance passenger comfort, speed, and reliability, while also supporting the country’s sustainable transport goals. With journey times set to improve and operational efficiency poised for a leap, SAR is confident the development will attract more commuters and reduce dependence on road travel for long-distance domestic routes.
Rolls-Royce, through its Power Systems division, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that the MTU engines will offer unmatched performance in the harsh desert climate while ensuring minimal environmental impact. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting transport transformation projects across the Gulf region.
The new trainsets will begin operations in phases following completion and testing, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s expanding rail network which has seen significant growth in both freight and passenger services over the past decade.
This development marks another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push to become a transport and logistics hub in the Middle East, with strategic partnerships like this one playing a vital role in delivering on its long-term infrastructure goals.
