Saudi Arabia Unveils Designs for Dream of the Desert, the Middle East’s First Luxury Rail Journey

A render of Saudi Arabia’s Dream of the Desert

 rail offering. Renders: Aline Asmar d’Amman

Saudi Arabia is set to redefine luxury travel with the unveiling of designs for Dream of the Desert, the Middle East’s first five-star rail service. The highly anticipated train will cover approximately 780 miles, connecting Riyadh to Al Qurayyat near the northern border with Jordan, offering travelers an unparalleled journey through the Arabian Desert.

A collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality firm Arsenale, Dream of the Desert aims to set a new benchmark in premium rail experiences. The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s strategy to enhance high-end tourism and cultural engagement, bringing world-class luxury to the country’s growing travel sector.

The interiors of Dream of the Desert reflect a seamless fusion of tradition and modernity. Drawing inspiration from the Kingdom’s desert landscapes and iconic heritage sites, the train’s design incorporates earthy tones, intricate architectural details, and luxurious textiles. Elements reminiscent of Madain Saleh and Hail are woven into the décor, creating an atmosphere of cultural authenticity and elegance.

Consisting of 14 carriages and 34 luxury suites, the train is designed as a moving five-star destination. It will traverse SAR’s Northern Railway network, offering passengers an immersive journey through some of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking natural and historical sites. Curated cultural programs, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, will further enrich the experience, allowing travelers to engage with the country’s deep-rooted traditions.

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of SAR, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, highlighted the transformative impact of the project.

“The Dream of the Desert train is a testament to our commitment to Vision 2030, delivering innovative solutions that elevate both the transport and tourism sectors. This project reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to develop world-class infrastructure while offering unparalleled travel experiences that reinforce Saudi Arabia’s status as a premier global tourism destination.”

SAR CEO Dr. Bashar bin Khalid AlMalik emphasized the company’s role in fostering economic growth and regional connectivity through strategic investments.

“At SAR, we believe our role extends beyond operating a railway network—we are actively attracting global investments to introduce advanced transport solutions. The Dream of the Desert train is a prime example of this commitment, demonstrating how collaboration between private and public sectors can create groundbreaking experiences in luxury travel.”

Arsenale Group CEO Paolo Barletta described the project as more than just a train journey, but rather a fully immersive 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 blends refined design, world-class hospitality, and rich cultural traditions in a way that authentically reflects the beauty of the Kingdom.”

Dream of the Desert is set to begin operations by the end of Q3 2026, with booking details and exclusive packages to be announced soon. As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation into a global tourism hub, this luxurious rail journey will offer travelers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the desert in ultimate comfort and style.