Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality company Arsenale have officially unveiled the final designs of the Dream of the Desert train, the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in redefining luxury rail travel in the region, blending contemporary opulence with the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia.
This announcement coincides with the visit of the prime minister of the Italian Republic to the Kingdom.
Dream of the Desert train in Saudi Arabia
According to SAR, this announcement represents a major advancement in the execution of the agreement signed last year with Arsenale.
Inspired by the desert landscape and traditional Saudi architecture, the interiors feature refined craftsmanship, with earthy tones, luxurious textiles, and intricate decorative details.
Architectural elements and motifs from iconic Saudi landmarks—including Madain Saleh and Hail—are elegantly woven into the train’s design, offering passengers a journey that is both visually and culturally enriching.
Dream of the Desert’s ambitious vision is to redefine luxury train travel in the Kingdom, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030’s objective of enhancing high-end tourism and supporting the cultural sector.
The Dream of the Desert train consists of 14 carriages housing 34 luxury suites, offering an exclusive and intimate experience for travellers.
Designed as a moving five-star destination, the train combines world-class hospitality with exquisite design, setting a new benchmark for premium rail travel.
Departing from Riyadh, the train will traverse SAR’s Northern Railway network, allowing guests to explore some of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking heritage and natural sites.
Through its collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the train will feature curated cultural programs, ensuring passengers experience Saudi Arabia’s traditions in an immersive and engaging way.
Additionally, the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Centre for Development Authorities Support are working on unique tourism itineraries that integrate seamlessly with the train journey, providing guests with an unparalleled window into the heart of Saudi heritage.
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of SAR Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, said: “The National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to develop an integrated transport network that strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub. 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.”
SAR CEO Dr. Bashar bin Khalid AlMalik said: “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.”
CEO of Arsenale Group Paolo Barletta said: “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.
“Dream of the Desert is expected to begin operations by the end of Q3 2026, with booking details and exclusive packages to be announced soon on the official website.”
The train’s interiors have been designed to reflect the essence of the Kingdom. Its elegant reception lounges are inspired by traditional majlis settings, adorned with intricately hand-carved wooden elements and geometric patterns that embody the warmth of Saudi hospitality.
The onboard dining experience combines heritage and sophistication, featuring a refined menu crafted in collaboration with top local and international chefs.
Passengers will also be immersed in the Kingdom’s artistic heritage, with curated art pieces and photography displayed along the train’s corridors, showcasing KSA’s cultural and natural landmarks.
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