Luxury Train Travel in Saudi Arabia: Dream of the Desert

In the vast stillness of Saudi Arabia’s northern desert, a new icon of slow travel is taking shape. Dream of the Desert, the first ultra-luxury train entirely crafted in Italy for the Kingdom, has opened pre-reservations, signalling the arrival of a rail experience set to redefine high-end exploration in the Middle East.

Launching at the end of 2026, this 14-carriage train carries no more than 66 guests across 1,300 kilometres of rarely travelled landscapes. With 31 Suite Cabins and two Royal Suites, each space is conceived as a private sanctuary of craftsmanship, serenity, and aesthetic refinement.

Five Brand-New Itineraries Across the Kingdom

Dream of the Desert introduces five immersive thematic journeys, each revealing a different facet of Saudi Arabia’s northern landscapes, archaeological wonders, and living traditions. Every itinerary is curated as a cultural narrative rather than a point-to-point route.

The Northern Sands

A three-day passage from Riyadh to Al Jouf, encountering the monumental Marid Castle, the UNESCO-inscribed Jubbah rock art, and a private desert soirée beneath the stars. A journey of striking contrasts: ancient heritage framed by refined Italian interiors.

A Taste of AlUla

A celebration of heritage and modern Arabia. Travelling from Riyadh through Al Jouf and Jubbah, the route culminates in AlUla, where bespoke experiences are curated in partnership with AlUla Destination. Expect elevated dining, landscape-led storytelling, and intimate encounters with one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural destinations.

Whispers of Jubbah

A two-day exploration dedicated to Saudi Arabia’s prehistoric narrative. The itinerary centres on the extraordinary rock engravings of Jubbah and a visit to Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom and a symbol of its cultural renaissance.

Ramadan Nights

A rare and intimate rail experience available only during the holy month. Iftar and suhoor become ceremonial gatherings, celebrated onboard and in the open desert. A post-iftar stargazing programme transforms the journey into a meditation on time, space, and spirituality.

Summer Mirage

A two-day seasonal escape designed to capture the hypnotic beauty of the desert in summer. Themed events, elevated cuisine, and immersive cultural programming create a richly atmospheric retreat close to Riyadh yet far removed from the everyday.

Italian Craftsmanship Meets Saudi Heritage

Dream of the Desert is conceived and constructed entirely in Italy, with its carriages meticulously crafted at the Brindisi (CPL) and Bergamo (Standgreen) facilities. Inside, architect Aline Asmar d’Amman and her studio have created interiors that unite the precision of Italian design with the motifs, textures, and rituals of Saudi hospitality. The result is a travelling cultural dialogue: a train where materiality, lighting, and form speak simultaneously of Italian refinement and Arabian warmth.

This creative synthesis is strengthened through a milestone partnership between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and other national entities. Their collaboration ensures the train honours the Kingdom’s heritage while embodying its ambitions under Vision 2030. Dream of the Desert stands as a new benchmark for sustainable, culturally rooted luxury rail.

A Global Debut at TOURISE

The project’s international significance was underscored with its unveiling at TOURISE, the world’s foremost luxury travel forum. Presented before an audience of global industry leaders, tastemakers, and innovators in experiential tourism, the announcement marked a defining moment for Arsenale and for the future of high-end travel in Saudi Arabia. 

TOURISE offered the ideal platform for opening pre-reservations, immediately positioning Dream of the Desert as one of the most anticipated luxury rail experiences of the coming decade.

Nightly rates vary by itinerary and are fully inclusive of onboard dining, immersive cultural programming, and exclusive off-train excursions. This all-encompassing model reflects the train’s philosophy of holistic luxury: guests are not simply transported; they inhabit a narrative shaped by landscape, heritage, and design.

Pre-reservations and further information are available exclusively at www.dreamofthedesert.com.

FAQ: Luxury Train Travel in Saudi Arabia

What is Dream of the Desert?

Dream of the Desert is Saudi Arabia’s first Italian-built luxury train, offering an ultra-premium rail experience across 1,300 kilometres of desert, heritage sites, and cultural destinations. It features 31 Suite Cabins and two Royal Suites, crafted entirely in Italy.

When will Dream of the Desert begin operations?

Dream of the Desert will launch at the end of 2026, with pre-reservations now open for its inaugural season.

How can I book Dream of the Desert?

Pre-reservations are available exclusively at www.dreamofthedesert.com. Early booking grants priority access, guaranteed suite selection, and an invitation to the inaugural celebration.

What itineraries does Dream of the Desert offer?

There are five curated itineraries: The Northern Sands, A Taste of AlUla, Whispers of Jubbah, Ramadan Nights, and Summer Mirage. Each itinerary blends cultural exploration with exclusive onboard experiences.

What is included in the fare?

Nightly rates are fully inclusive of onboard dining, curated cultural programming, and privileged access to off-train excursions. The experience follows a holistic luxury model with no hidden extras.

Who designed the interiors of Dream of the Desert?

The interiors are created by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman and her studio, blending Italian craftsmanship with Saudi cultural motifs and hospitality traditions.

How many guests does the train accommodate?

Dream of the Desert accommodates a maximum of 66 guests, ensuring privacy, exclusivity, and personalised service.

Why was the train unveiled at Tourise?

Tourise, the world’s leading luxury travel forum, provided the perfect global stage to introduce the project. Its unveiling there positioned Dream of the Desert as one of the most anticipated luxury rail experiences worldwide.

Is the Dream of the Desert part of Saudi Vision 2030?

Yes. The project supports Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and high-end hospitality experiences across the Kingdom.