Saudi Arabia is stepping up its tourism with the launch of the Dream of the Desert, a new ultra-luxury train set to begin service in late 2026.
The 33-suite train is part of the Kingdom’s ambitious goal to attract 150 million tourists by 2030 and offers a new way to explore Saudi Arabia’s landscapes.
This ultra-luxury rail project, being developed by Arsenale, marks the company’s first venture into the Middle East.
The train, which is currently being built in Italy and is set to begin journeys in late 2026, offers a slow-travel route through some of Saudi Arabia’s most remote and dramatic landscapes. But it’s also a symbol of a broader shift. As the Kingdom attempts to diversify its tourism base while still courting big-ticket travellers, Dream of the Desert shows how luxury is being redefined: less about excess, more about immersion, craftsmanship, and cultural access.
Arsenale CEO Paolo Barletta describes the project as a “moving narrative” that blends Italian design with Saudi heritage. Combined with Saudi Arabia’s rapid tourism growth and a regional luxury market that continues to outpace global averages, the train is positioned as a flagship for where ultra-luxury travel in the Gulf is heading next.
The train has been imagined by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, whose studio has blended Saudi heritage and desert inspiration with contemporary luxury to create something that feels both opulent and rooted.
The train has 14 carriages and 33 luxury cabins that will accommodate 66 passengers at a time.
The carriages are draped in earthy tones, rich textiles, warm desert inspired hues, hand carved woodwork, and intricate geometric patterns — a subtle nod to traditional majlis interiors.
Gold laden ceilings, lavish velvet banquettes, and Art Deco touches in suites and lounges give the train a timeless glamour, while décor elements referencing Unesco sites like Madain Saleh and historic agricultural cities such as Hail are woven throughout, from corridor artworks to subtle motifs.
Inside, the 14 carriages contain a total of 33 luxury suites, a layout designed to ensure both intimacy and privacy. Suites will feature bespoke wood marquetry, elegant furnishings, soft lighting, and design touches that marry Arabian heritage and modern luxury.
Beyond the interiors, corridors and communal spaces will double as moving galleries, decorated with curated artworks and photography celebrating Saudi culture, heritage, and landscapes.
It’s a deliberate design, where heritage, craftsmanship, and comfort converge. The goal seems to be that when you step onto Dream of the Desert, you are already travelling through Saudi Arabia’s identity long before you reach the desert dunes.
However, beyond the interiors and curated onboard experiences, what sets Dream of the Desert apart is the journey itself. “A defining element of the experience is the train’s ability to open access to remote and stunning locations across Saudi Arabia. The itinerary covers roughly 1,300 kilometres from Riyadh towards Hail, with stops at areas of natural and historical significance—deserts, mountains, heritage sites,” Barletta said. Guests can also expect to join guided excursions and experiences designed for “reflection”.
Bookings for the inaugural journeys, set for late 2026, are already open online and were announced this month. Fares start at SAR30,000 per cabin per night with prices varying depending on itinerary and departure date.
Source: Khaleej Times
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
