Arsenale S.p.A., Italy’s main firm in luxurious hospitality and experiential journey, unveiled the mock-up automobile of Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia’s first ultra-luxury prepare, through the prestigious Future Funding Initiative (FII) in Riyadh.
Developed in collaboration with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), Ministry of Transport and Logistic Companies, the Transport Common Authority (TGA), Ministry of Tradition, and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), the revealing marks a defining second for ultra-luxury rail journey within the Center East. Offered on the ninth version of the FII beneath the theme “The Key to Prosperity,” the showcase offered a primary glimpse into the distinctive design, craftsmanship, and immersive expertise that may outline this groundbreaking venture.
The prepare will function 31 personal suites and a couple of presidential suites, accommodating as much as 66 visitors, alongside two restaurant vehicles and a Majlis lounge adorned with finely carved wooden finishes, desert-inspired hues, and golden accents that replicate the heat and richness of Saudi heritage. The 2 restaurant vehicles will provide a refined culinary selection between genuine native and conventional delicacies, and a global menu with fusion Italian influences — each curated by world-renowned cooks to ship a Michelin-level fine-dining expertise on board.
Dream of the Desert is ready to make its inaugural journey on the finish of 2026, departing from Riyadh and travelling alongside 1,300 kilometres of present railway traces with thoughtfully chosen stops that showcase Saudi Arabia’s most fascinating landscapes and locations. The one- to two-night itineraries have been meticulously curated to spotlight the Kingdom’s pure magnificence, cultural richness, and enduring sense of place.
“Dream of the Desert is a shifting masterpiece born from the dialogue between Italian craftsmanship and Saudi imaginative and prescient,” stated Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale S.p.A. “This venture embodies the shared pursuit of magnificence, innovation, and hospitality that unites our two cultures. It marks the start of a brand new world platform redefining ultra-luxury journey – one which celebrates heritage, creativity, and a deep respect for native identification whereas carrying the world’s most discerning travellers via the guts of Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and traditions.”
Dr. Bashar Khalid AlMalik, CEO of Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), acknowledged that showcasing the Dream of the Desert prepare on the Future Funding Initiative highlights the superior progress of Saudi transport tasks. He famous that the venture represents a mannequin partnership between SAR and world buyers, aligned with the Nationwide Transport and Logistics Technique and Imaginative and prescient 2030, reflecting SAR’s dedication to creating distinctive transport options that improve tourism, appeal to funding, and place Saudi Arabia as a world vacation spot for luxurious and genuine journey experiences.
H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Companies and Chairman of Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), emphasised that the revealing of the Dream of the Desert luxurious prepare on the ninth Future Funding Initiative (FII9) displays the outstanding transformation of the Kingdom’s railway sector and its superior, world-class journey experiences. He added that the venture is a key consequence of the Nationwide Transport and Logistics Technique, geared toward introducing trendy, tourism-oriented transport modes that improve high quality of life. He additionally highlighted that this distinctive initiative represents a part of the rising international investments within the transport and logistics ecosystem, supported by main worldwide companions.
Designed by famend architect and inside designer Aline Asmar d’Amman, founding father of Tradition in Structure, the prepare interiors are imagined with intention, honoring each Saudi heritage and the distinctive signature of Italian making. Crafted textures, reinterpreted textile weavings and wealthy wooden carvings seize the essence of custom whereas setting the stage for timeless magnificence with cultural relevance. Arabian soul and artisanal excellence permeate the areas with a way of belonging, translating reminiscence via a refined modern lens. *The desert’s palette of earthy tones, sandy browns and oasis inexperienced are softly lit by the cinematic glow of Murano blown glass evoking the heat of oriental lanterns. The atmospheric interiors have fun the majesty of the Kingdom’s landscapes steeped with tales of architectural legacy and the huge, poetic desert surroundings.
Past its beautiful interiors, Dream of the Desert will provide bespoke on-board and off-board experiences, together with curated excursions, personal performances, and customized companies that stretch the journey past the rails. The one- to two-night itineraries have been meticulously curated to unveil the Kingdom’s pure magnificence, cultural richness, and profound sense of place, guiding visitors via a UNESCO World Heritage website and one other extraordinary hidden vacation spot quickly to say its place among the many world’s treasures.
This unveiling milestone represents a key step in the direction of the total prepare launch and stands as a logo of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to creating world-class, culturally rooted tourism. It aligns with Imaginative and prescient 2030’s ambition to raise the Kingdom’s cultural and luxurious tourism choices, positioning Dream of the Desert as a brand new benchmark for experiential rail journey within the Center East.
The collaboration between Arsenale Group and SAR brings collectively Italian design excellence and genuine Saudi hospitality, making a journey the place heritage, innovation, and magnificence coexist in concord. With its restricted 33 suites, Dream of the Desert provides an intimate, immersive expertise, inviting visitors to discover Saudi Arabia in a approach that’s each luxurious and related to the land and tradition.
Step into the journey at www.dreamofthedesert.com and observe @dreamofthedesert to find extra. (TBC)
