When it comes to redefining the idea of luxury travel, Saudi Arabia is fast becoming the first destination that comes to mind. Saudi is all set to debut its first-ever five-star train experience that is all things luxury. The ‘Dream of the Desert’ is not a train designed to rush you from one destination to another. It is conceived as a palace on rails, one that insists on slowing down, savouring moments, and experiencing the desert in comfort. With 14 carriages and 34 private suites, the project is a collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways and Italy’s Arsenale Group, with interiors by celebrated Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d’Amman.
The design takes its cue from Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and architectural traditions. The travellers can expect majlis-style lounges, carved wooden screens, tile-fronted bars, and rich textiles in earthy tones. Velvet banquettes, gilded ceilings, and geometric motifs weave in elements of heritage without losing the polish of contemporary luxury.
The Route North
The train’s journey covers nearly 1,300 kilometres, beginning in Riyadh and travelling through Al Qassim, Ha’il, and Al Jouf before reaching Al Qurayyat near the Jordanian border. The trip, set to launch by the third quarter of 2026, will be an overnight or multi-day itinerary designed to showcase the breadth of the Kingdom’s terrain.
Why the Dream of the Desert is about Culture on the Move
Dream of the Desert is not only about interiors and scenery. In partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, the experience will feature curated programmes of art, music and storytelling that give guests a richer sense of place. Gastronomy will be another highlight, with menus that reinterpret local flavours through the lens of international culinary craft.
Vision 2030 in Motion
The launch of Dream of the Desert fits neatly into the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which is designed to diversify the economy through tourism and cultural investment. By creating a luxury train rooted in heritage but executed to international standards, Saudi is signalling its intent to stand alongside the world’s great travel experiences.
Dream of the Desert is a statement of intent: Saudi Arabia is not merely opening its borders to tourism but reimagining how that tourism should feel. When the train begins rolling across the desert, it will offer more than transport. It will offer time, craft and connection. For those who value unhurried luxury, this is a journey worth waiting for.
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