Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious entry into the luxury travel market with ‘Dream of the Desert,’ a 33-suite ultra-luxury train developed in partnership with Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale. This groundbreaking project represents a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s tourism diversification strategy under Vision 2030, aiming to transform the nation into a premier global destination.
The train, currently under construction in Italy and scheduled to commence operations in late 2026, will traverse approximately 1,300 kilometers through Saudi Arabia’s most dramatic landscapes, connecting Riyadh with the Hail region. Unlike conventional luxury travel, Dream of the Desert emphasizes immersive cultural experiences, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness rather than mere opulence.
Arsenale CEO Paolo Barletta describes the project as a ‘moving narrative’ that blends Italian design excellence with authentic Saudi heritage. The collaboration involves multiple Saudi entities including Saudi Arabia Railways, the Ministry of Transport, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Tourism Development Fund, creating a robust public-private partnership framework.
Architect Aline Asmar d’Amman has conceived the train’s design, incorporating earthy tones, rich textiles, hand-carved woodwork, and intricate geometric patterns inspired by traditional majlis interiors. The 14 carriages feature gold-laden ceilings, velvet banquettes, and Art Deco touches, while décor elements reference UNESCO sites like Madain Saleh and historic cities such as Hail.
Beyond the lavish interiors, the experience includes curated cultural programs, gourmet cuisine, guided excursions to remote historical sites, and exclusive performances. With fares starting at SAR 30,000 (approximately $8,000) per cabin per night, the service targets the premium segment of the luxury travel market.
The launch coincides with substantial tourism growth in the GCC region, which recorded 68.1 million international tourist arrivals in 2023—a 43% increase over 2019 figures. The travel and tourism sector contributed $247.1 billion to GCC GDP in 2024, demonstrating the region’s expanding capacity for high-end experiential offerings.
Arsenale plans to expand its luxury rail concept across the Middle East, with advanced discussions underway for similar projects in the UAE, Egypt, and Uzbekistan, signaling the Gulf’s emergence as a hub for experience-driven rail travel.