Saudi Arabia Railways and Italian hospitality company Arsenale have unveiled the final designs for the Dream of the Desert, the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in executing the agreement signed last year between the two entities.
The train, inspired by the desert landscape and traditional Saudi architecture, features refined craftsmanship, earthy tones, luxurious textiles, and intricate decorative details.
The Dream of the Desert consists of 14 carriages housing 34 luxury suites, offering an exclusive and intimate experience for travellers.
Departing from Riyadh, the train will traverse the Northern Railway network. This will allow guests to explore some of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking heritage and natural sites.
The train will feature cultural programs curated with the Ministry of Culture. Through this, passengers will be able to immerse themselves in Saudi traditions and engage with them in a meaningful way.
The project is part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and enhance cultural tourism. The Dream of the Desert is expected to begin operations at the end of Q3 2026. Booking details and exclusive packages will be announced soon on the official website.
The exact fares in Australian dollars have not yet been confirmed, but it is anticipated that the journey will be premium.
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.”
The Dream of the Desert construction costs around A$53.33 million (200 million Saudi riyals). This investment reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing world-class infrastructure and offering unparalleled travel experiences that reinforce its status as a premier global tourism destination.
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.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, there have been some controversies. Critics argue that the luxurious nature of the train may be out of reach for many potential travellers, raising questions about accessibility and inclusivity.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the broader implications of Saudi Arabia's tourism initiatives on human rights and social issues within the country.
Overall, Dream of the Desert represents a significant step forward in luxury rail travel, blending refined design, world-class hospitality, and rich cultural traditions.
Investors and travellers alike will watch closely as the project progresses, eager to see how it will shape the future of tourism in Saudi Arabia.
