Saudi Arabia Railways and Italian hospitality company Arsenale have officially unveiled the final designs of the Dream of the Desert train, the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East.
Coinciding with the recent visit of Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) updated developments on the Dream of the Desert five-star luxury train project first announced in early 2024. The train is now expected to begin operations in Q3 2026 with booking details available soon.
The Dream of the Desert will have 14 carriages housing 34 luxury suites and will depart from Riyadh traveling to Qurayyat, near the Jordanian border, along SAR’s Northern Railway network. SAR is collaborating with the Ministry of Culture for the trip to feature curated cultural programs highlighting the region’s traditions. The Saudi Tourism Authority and the Center for Development Authorities Support are also developing tourism itineraries that provide insight into Saudi heritage.
Courtesy Arsenale Spa/SAR
The Dream of the Desert’s interiors have been designed by Aline Asmar d’Amman, an architect and designer who has also worked on the Hotel de Crillon in Paris.
According to Julia Buckley writing for CNN:
“The idea is to amp up the luxury while referencing Saudi culture and heritage — including motifs from destinations like AlUla, Madain Saleh and Hail — within the design. The overall tone is suitably sandy, with golds, beiges and darker tones coupled with chrome fittings reflecting the desert views outside. Reception lounges have been given the feel of a majlis — the room in a Saudi home where guests are welcomed — and include geometric patterns and hand-carved wooden elements. Bedrooms, meanwhile, have a richer feel, with a hint of Art Deco styling in the emerald-colored sofas, headboards and drapes, as well as the clean lines and wood-paneled walls.”
“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.”
