Saudi Arabia Unveils Designs Behind Luxury ‘Dream of The Desert’ Train

‘Dream of The Desert,’ is a luxury train in collaboration with Saudi Arabian Railways (SAR) and Arsenale, an Italian hospitality company. Designers give us our first glimpse one year after the agreement was initially signed. The unveiling also coincided with the Prime Minister of Italy’s visit to the Kingdom on Sunday.

Designers claim to have woven in Saudi Arabia’s identity through the train’s design, allowing passengers to enjoy traditional majlis seating in the reception area, curated art and photographs on the train’s corridors, and getting provided a modern traditional meal curated by both top local and international chefs.

Officials say this project is also in alignment with Saudi vision 2030 of expanding high end luxury tourism and “strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub,” Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of SAR Eng., Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said.

The train consists of 13 carriages and 34 suites. The luxury ride departs from Riyadh and heads north across SAR’s Northern Railway network, allowing passengers to explore some of Saudi Arabia’s natural sites.

The Desert Dream is expected to begin operation in the third quarter of 2026 “with booking details and exclusive packages to be announced soon on the official website,” CEO of Arsenale Group Paolo Barletta said.