Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for its first ultra-luxury passenger prepare, marking a daring step within the Kingdom’s ambition to reshape tourism by way of unique journey experiences. The brand new rail service, titled Dream of the Desert, will provide high-end rail journeys throughout the nation’s huge landscapes beginning in late 2026.
The challenge was formally launched on the Future Funding Initiative in Riyadh and kinds a part of Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism transformation below Imaginative and prescient 2030. Developed in collaboration with Italian hospitality group Arsenale and Saudi Arabia Railways, the posh prepare is designed to draw vacationers searching for consolation, cultural richness, and scenic routes.
Officers say the prepare will join Riyadh with different locations throughout roughly 1,300 kilometers of current rail strains. Journeys will final one to 2 nights, providing vacationers an immersive journey by way of Saudi Arabia’s pure magnificence and cultural landmarks.
The Dream of the Desert prepare is predicted to accommodate as much as 66 passengers. Its interiors will mirror Saudi heritage by way of earthy tones, handcrafted wooden finishes, and customized lighting impressed by conventional lanterns. Every of the 31 non-public suites and two presidential suites will provide company a quiet and stylish area whereas touring by way of the center of the Arabian desert.
Saudi Arabia reveals its first ultra-luxury prepare, Dream of the Desert, launching in 2026. A brand new period of high-end journey is on monitor. #SaudiArabia #LuxuryTravel #Vision2030 pic.twitter.com/BR3eo3ZQ02
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) November 17, 2025
The onboard expertise will even embrace two restaurant vehicles, serving a mixture of Saudi-inspired and worldwide delicacies, with a robust affect from Italian culinary traditions. All dishes will likely be curated to fulfill excessive international requirements. As well as, a central lounge styled as a standard majlis will present a snug social space for passengers to unwind and interact with fellow vacationers.
This new initiative is seen as a part of the Kingdom’s give attention to luxurious and cultural tourism, providing a brand new sort of expertise to worldwide guests. The prepare guarantees to showcase each the great thing about the Saudi panorama and the nation’s dedication to preserving its heritage whereas embracing fashionable consolation.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Chairman of Saudi Arabia Railways, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, described the challenge as a turning level within the nation’s transportation technique. He famous that the posh prepare demonstrates how the nation is investing in tourism-focused infrastructure that may enhance each life-style and journey requirements.
The launch additionally displays a wider development of worldwide funding into Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics sectors. Worldwide partnerships, just like the one with Arsenale, are serving to deliver formidable concepts to life and broaden the Kingdom’s attraction as a vacation spot for premium journey.
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale Group, mentioned the prepare combines Italian design excellence with Saudi Arabia’s distinctive imaginative and prescient. He emphasised that the challenge stands for greater than luxurious—it provides a journey that connects vacationers to the nation’s traditions and pure magnificence.
With the Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia is aiming to create a brand new platform for cultural exploration and top-tier tourism. The prepare will not be solely a transportation challenge however a press release in regards to the Kingdom’s future in high-end journey.
