Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale have officially revealed the final designs for Dream of the Desert, the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East. This marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s expansion into high-end rail tourism, blending contemporary luxury with Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reinforcing the growing ties between Saudi Arabia and Italy in tourism, transport, and cultural collaborations. Scheduled to begin operations in Q3 2026, Dream of the Desert is set to redefine premium train journeys, offering 34 luxury suites across 14 carriages. Designed to provide an exclusive and intimate setting, the train will deliver a five-star hospitality experience as it journeys through some of Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular landscapes.
Departing from Riyadh, the train will traverse Saudi Arabia’s Northern Railway network, passing through heritage sites and dramatic desert scenery. In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the experience will include curated cultural programmes and immersive storytelling, allowing travellers to engage with Saudi traditions in a unique and meaningful way.
The train’s interiors have been envisioned by renowned architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman and her studio, Culture in Architecture. The design pays tribute to Mada’in Salih, Hail, and other key Saudi landmarks, incorporating earthy tones, luxurious textiles, and intricate handcrafted details that echo the beauty of the desert landscape and the warmth of traditional Saudi majlis settings. On board, the dining experience will blend local flavours with international culinary excellence, with menus crafted in partnership with top Saudi and global chefs. Art installations and photography throughout the train will showcase the cultural and natural beauty of Saudi Arabia, creating an immersive visual journey for guests.
As part of Saudi Vision 2030, Dream of the Desert aligns with the Kingdom’s strategy to position itself as a premier global tourism destination. H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, highlighted the significance of the project: “The Dream of the Desert train is a testament to our commitment to this vision, delivering innovative solutions that elevate both the transport and tourism sectors. This project reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious drive to develop world-class infrastructure while offering unparalleled travel experiences that reinforce Saudi Arabia’s status as a premier global tourism destination. The train combines luxury, innovation, and cultural authenticity, setting a new standard in rail travel.”
Dr. Bashar bin Khalid AlMalik, CEO of SAR, further underscored the transformational impact of the project: “At SAR, we believe our role extends beyond operating a railway network—we are actively attracting global investments to introduce advanced transport solutions that support economic growth and regional connectivity. The Dream of the Desert train is a prime example of this commitment, demonstrating how collaboration between private and public sector entities can create groundbreaking experiences in luxury transport. With this project, we are setting a new benchmark for service excellence, merging comfort and sophistication to position Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading luxury rail travel destinations.”
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale Group, emphasised the immersive nature of the train experience: “When we first envisioned Dream of the Desert, our goal was to create an unparalleled travel experience—one that would take guests on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Saudi Arabia. This project is more than just a luxury train; it is a fully immersive experience that blends refined design, world-class hospitality, and rich cultural traditions. Working with SAR, the Ministry of Culture, and the Saudi Tourism Authority has been an extraordinary collaboration, allowing us to bring this vision to life in a way that authentically reflects Saudi Arabia’s beauty. We are proud of this achievement and look forward to welcoming our first guests on board.”
As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve its luxury tourism landscape, Dream of the Desert is set to become a global symbol of high-end rail travel. Merging architectural elegance, personalised hospitality, and cultural storytelling, the train will offer guests an unparalleled way to explore the Kingdom. With bookings and exclusive travel packages to be announced soon, Dream of the Desert is poised to redefine train travel in the region, offering a seamless blend of luxury, heritage, and innovation.
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Photos courtesy of Aline Asmar d’Amman
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