Saudi Arabia is setting a new global standard for high-end experiential travel with the unveiling of its inaugural ultra-luxury rail service, the Dream of the Desert train, at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh. This project is a crucial component of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to expand its tourism portfolio under Vision 2030, a roadmap that saw the nation surpass the 100 million tourist mark in 2023 and raise its target to 150 million by 2030. This development signals a significant move in Saudi news as the Kingdom diversifies its economy and courts big-ticket travellers seeking both luxury and immersion in local culture and landscapes.
🤝 A Partnership Forged in Vision and Craftsmanship
The ‘Dream of the Desert’ project is the result of a strategic collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italy’s Arsenale Group, a company renowned for running the La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy. The initiative is also backed by several key government entities, including the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, the Transport General Authority, the Ministry of Culture, and the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, described the train as a “moving masterpiece born from the dialogue between Italian craftsmanship and Saudi vision.” He emphasized that this is not merely transportation, but a “new global platform redefining ultra-luxury travel” that celebrates heritage and local identity. The project marks Arsenale’s first foray into the Middle East, signaling the Gulf’s growing status as a major hub for experience-driven rail travel.
Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of SAR, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, underscored that the unveiling highlights the remarkable transformation of the Kingdom’s railway sector, aligning with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to introduce modern, tourism-focused transport options.
🎨 Design and Interiors: A Desert-Inspired Opulence
The train, currently being built in Italy and slated for a launch in late 2026, is designed by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman. Her studio has expertly blended contemporary luxury with deep Saudi heritage and desert inspiration.
The Moving Narrative of Design
The aesthetic is a “moving narrative” that connects guests to the Kingdom’s identity before they even step onto the desert dunes. The 14 carriages are adorned with design elements that speak to the landscape and culture:
- Colour Palette: Dominated by warm, desert-inspired hues and earthy tones.
- Materials: Features rich textiles, bespoke wood marquetry, and hand-carved woodwork.
- Lighting: Custom Murano glass lighting evokes traditional oriental lanterns, providing soft, ambient lighting.
- Cultural Nods: Subtle motifs and intricate geometric patterns nod to traditional majlis interiors, while décor references UNESCO sites like Madain Saleh and historic agricultural cities such as Hail.
The overall look blends the lavishness of gold-laden ceilings and velvet banquettes with the timeless glamour of Art Deco touches, positioning the train as both opulent and rooted in its surroundings.
Accommodation and Amenities
Designed to ensure intimacy and privacy, the train will accommodate a maximum of 66 guests:
- Suites: A total of 33 luxury suites, including 31 private suites and two presidential suites.
- Dining: Two dedicated restaurant cars offer a Michelin-level dining experience, with a choice between authentic local cuisine and international menus featuring Italian fusion influences.
- Socializing: A central Majlis lounge provides a dedicated space for guests to socialize and relax, mirroring the traditional Saudi hospitality concept.
- Moving Gallery: Corridors and communal spaces will double as moving galleries, decorated with curated artworks and photography celebrating Saudi culture and heritage.
🗺️ The Slow-Travel Experience: Journey and Itinerary
What truly defines the ‘Dream of the Desert’ is the journey itself—a commitment to “slow travel” that offers deep immersion into Saudi Arabia’s dramatic and remote landscapes.
The inaugural journeys will last one to two nights and cover approximately 1,300 km of existing railway lines.
- Route: The journey will depart from Riyadh and traverse towards Hail.
- Stops: The itinerary includes planned stops at areas of natural and historical significance, including deserts, mountains, and heritage sites.
- Curated Excursions: Guests can expect tailored excursions, exclusive cultural performances, and guided experiences designed for “reflection” and deep connection with the local environment.
This model of travel—less about speed and more about immersion, craftsmanship, and cultural access—is precisely how luxury travel is being redefined in the Kingdom.
📈 Economic Significance and Market Positioning
The launch of the ‘Dream of the Desert’ is strategically timed to capitalize on the booming tourism sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
- Regional Growth: The GCC recorded 68.1 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, a 43% increase compared to 2019. This includes a significant rise in intra-GCC travel, which was up 52.1% from 2019.
- Economic Impact: The travel and tourism sector contributed $247.1 billion to GCC GDP in 2024, a substantial 31.9% increase from 2019.
This rising regional demand, coupled with a local luxury market that continues to outpace global averages, provides the perfect environment for a high-end offering like the ‘Dream of the Desert’.
Pricing and Future Plans
Bookings for the inaugural journeys, set for late 2026, are already open. Fares start at SAR 30,000 per cabin per night, with pricing positioned at the top end of the luxury market to reflect the bespoke Italian-crafted suites, gourmet cuisine, and curated cultural programming.
Arsenale’s ambition extends beyond Saudi Arabia. The company is in advanced discussions to launch a similar luxury train across the Middle Eastern peninsula in the UAE, confirming the Gulf’s new role as a global luxury rail hub.
✨ Conclusion: The New Language of Global Luxury
The ‘Dream of the Desert’ is more than just a train; it is a metaphor for a cultural dialogue, where Italian design and craftsmanship meet Saudi heritage and a forward-thinking vision rooted in tradition. It embodies the new language of global luxury: highly personalised, deeply engaging with local environments, and committed to world-class standards while celebrating cultural identity. The Kingdom is not just building a railway; it is building a moving cultural experience that invites the world to see the heart of Saudi Arabia.
