Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia’s first ultra-luxury train, has been officially revealed with the unveiling of its full mock-up car at the prestigious Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh. Created by Italy’s Arsenale Group in partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and leading national entities, the project marks a bold reimagining of luxury rail experiences in the Middle East. It represents not only a new chapter in high-end travel but a cultural milestone connecting Italian craftsmanship with Saudi heritage in an entirely unprecedented way.
Unrolling across 1,300 kilometres of Saudi Arabia’s majestic landscapes, Dream of the Desert will welcome guests from late 2026 with 33 exquisitely designed suites, including two presidential accommodations. Every element — from desert-inspired palettes to meticulously carved woodwork — reflects the architectural language and identity of the Kingdom. Designed by acclaimed architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, the interiors blend artisanal Italian techniques with motifs and materials rooted in centuries of Saudi tradition, creating spaces that are deeply contemporary yet emotionally anchored in place.
Guests will be able to dine across two restaurant cars offering a Michelin-level culinary programme crafted by local and international chefs. Whether sampling refined Saudi specialities or contemporary fusion cuisine enriched with Italian influences, passengers will experience gastronomy as an immersive journey in itself. The Majlis lounge, adorned with soft lighting and Murano glass accents, will serve as the heart of the train — a social sanctuary inspired by the warmth and hospitality synonymous with Arabian culture.
The itineraries — lasting one or two nights — have been deliberately curated to showcase the Kingdom’s natural and cultural treasures. From sweeping deserts and rugged mountain valleys to UNESCO World Heritage sites and soon-to-be-revealed hidden destinations, the journey promises to reveal the soul of Saudi Arabia in a way no other travel experience currently can. Each stop is conceived as a narrative moment, deepening the connection between travellers and the landscapes unfolding outside their windows.
Beyond its visual and experiential brilliance, Dream of the Desert is a flagship initiative within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. As SAR’s leadership emphasized during the unveiling, the project elevates the Kingdom’s position in the global tourism arena, introducing a world-class mobility experience that merges luxury, authenticity, and sustainable development. It stands as a symbol of the nation’s rapidly evolving transport ecosystem and its commitment to welcoming discerning travellers from around the world.
The collaboration also reflects Arsenale Group’s growing international footprint. Known for its work with renowned luxury brands and iconic rail hospitality projects across Italy, Egypt, Central Asia, and the UAE, the company brings decades of craft expertise and innovation to this new venture. Dream of the Desert becomes the latest cornerstone in Arsenale’s global luxury train portfolio — and arguably its most culturally significant project to date.
When it launches in 2026, Dream of the Desert will offer an exclusive window into Saudi Arabia’s landscapes, traditions, and future ambitions. With its limited 33 suites, cinematic interiors, and curated on- and off-board experiences, the train is set to redefine what rail travel can be: intimate, immersive, and deeply connected to the identity of a nation undergoing extraordinary transformation.
