The 'Dream of the Desert' concept represents the first ultra-luxury train in Saudi Arabia, being developed by the Italian hospitality company Arsenale in collaboration with Saudi Arabia Railways. This project offers guests the opportunity to wake up in private suites, have breakfast overlooking the changing landscape, visit ancient castles, and then return for dinner.
Initially scheduled to launch in 2026, recent plans postpone the first journey to September 2027. The train is set to cover over 1000 kilometers across northern Saudi Arabia, traveling from Riyadh towards the border with Jordan.
The train will consist of 12 carriages, housing 34 suites designed to accommodate up to 72 passengers. The interiors were designed by Lebanese architect Alina Asmar D'Ammanon and her studio Culture in Architecture. The design is based on the traditions, landscapes, and crafts of Saudi Arabia, including the use of wooden marquetry, rich textile materials, and spaces inspired by the traditional majlis.
Throughout the day, guests will be offered various refreshments and beverages, ranging from breakfast and afternoon tea to aperitifs and dinner. Furthermore, the trip will feature performances and storytelling elements designed to immerse passengers in local history, myths, and imagery.
The planned route will pass through cities such as Al-Qassim, Ha'il, Al-Jouf, and Qurayyat, with excursions built around the heritage and natural landscapes of each region. Planned activities include visiting Marid Castle in Al-Jouf and the Adja mountains near Ha'il. An extension of the route including AlUla is also being developed with the participation of the Royal Commission for AlUla; however, instead of arriving directly by train in AlUla, guests will travel from Ha'il via land or air transport.
This itinerary provides an opportunity to explore lesser-known areas of the country for those who have already visited popular destinations in Saudi Arabia, allowing them to enjoy these places at a slower pace. 'Dream of the Desert' is positioned in the ultra-luxury rail travel segment.
The official website lists prices starting from 30,000 Saudi Riyals per suite per night, although final pricing is expected later in 2026. Currently, travelers can place a refundable priority deposit for future bookings. Additional private air transfers to locations like AlUla will be charged separately. The company also noted that the experience is primarily oriented towards adult and senior travelers, with a recommended minimum age of 14 years.
The appeal of 'Dream of the Desert' lies in the fact that the journey itself becomes the central part of the trip. Instead of flying between points or spending hours in transit, passengers can relax in their suite, watch the scenery change during dinner, and arrive at a new location without spending a day traveling. The main advantage is the ability to slowly get to know Saudi Arabia by moving between its landscapes, historical sites, and communities without the constant need to pack and unpack.