The train moves like the desert itself. Slow. Measured. Present. In late 2026, travelers will be able to step aboard Saudi Arabia’s Dream of the Desert train, the Kingdom’s first five-star rail experience.
This journey invites you to sit still and watch the landscape unfold. You’ll see the light shift on the sand, taste Arabic coffee while the train glides forward, and notice the soft craftsmanship in every detail. From the route to the interior finishes, everything is rooted in Saudi culture and landscape.
This is luxury train travel in Saudi Arabia designed to offer something deeper than transit—something immersive, sensory, and personal.
The Vision Behind the Train
The Dream of the Desert was developed through a partnership between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Arsenale S.p.A., an Italian group known for luxury hospitality projects. Its launch supports Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s strategy to diversify the economy and create world-class tourism infrastructure.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni unveiled the final design during her visit. The moment marked growing ties between Saudi Arabia and Italy, especially in tourism and culture. Officials expect the train to begin operations by the third quarter of 2026.
The project also involves the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the Ministry of Culture, who are working together to shape experiences onboard and at stops along the way.
A Design That Carries Culture
Aline Asmar d’Amman and her firm Culture in Architecture led the train’s design. Her studio, which operates out of Paris and Beirut, has shaped spaces like Hôtel de Crillon in Paris and Palazzo Dona Giovannelli in Venice. For this project, she drew inspiration from Saudi heritage and desert architecture.
The train’s exterior is finished in burnished chrome with violet accents, designed to reflect the desert light. Inside, 14 carriages contain 34 luxury suites, each styled with a warm palette of earthy browns, wood paneling, and rich green textiles.
Designers drew inspiration from historical sites like Madain Saleh, Hegra, and Hail. They wove cultural motifs into every detail—marquetry, saddle-stitched leather, and handcrafted trims. Even the curtain ties echo traditional Arabian tack, honoring Saudi Arabia’s deep equestrian roots.
Public areas are designed with care. The reception lounges take cues from the traditional majlis, with low, inviting seating. The bar area includes geometric patterns, tiled finishes, and low lighting, creating a calm and refined atmosphere.
Routes and Destinations
The Dream of the Desert will follow a route of around 1,300 kilometers, beginning in Riyadh and traveling north to Al Qurayyat, near the Jordanian border. This line uses Saudi Arabia Railways’ Northern Railway network, which is already operational and known for connecting key regions in the north.
Along the way, the train will pass through areas that carry deep historical and cultural meaning. Hail is one of the confirmed stops, offering guests the chance to explore a city known for its ancient petroglyphs and deep-rooted Arabian traditions. The full list of destinations hasn’t been released yet. But the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Development Authorities Support Center are working closely to shape every stop. Their goal is simple—to create meaningful, well-rounded experiences for visitors.
Each trip will follow a one- or two-night itinerary. Travelers will have time to slow down and take in the landscape. This isn’t about rushing. The train moves at the pace of the desert, with thoughtful stops at cultural and heritage sites along the way.
Each stop will feature curated excursions, guided by local experts and built in partnership with tourism and cultural ministries. These will include visits to archaeological sites, regional landmarks, and desert landscapes, offering travelers an intimate look at the places that shape Saudi Arabia.
The Experience Onboard
This is not simply a new train in 2026. It’s a complete experience. Every aspect of the journey is being designed to feel personal, immersive, and grounded in Saudi identity.
The Dream of the Desert will accommodate up to 82 guests across its 34 suites, creating an exclusive atmosphere with space to breathe. Each suite includes custom furnishings, wood detailing, and accents inspired by both Art Deco and traditional Saudi design. The feeling is calm and thoughtful, with an emphasis on quality over show.
Culinary Direction
Dining onboard will reflect the diversity of Saudi cuisine while introducing global techniques and creativity. The dining car will serve meals created in collaboration with both Saudi and international chefs, blending local ingredients with elevated presentation.
Expect dishes influenced by regional flavors — saffron, date syrup, cardamom, slow-cooked meats, and rich rice dishes—served in an environment that mirrors the pace of the journey. Food is part of the experience, not separate from it.
Culture in Motion
Alongside the visual beauty of the landscape and interiors, the journey includes a strong cultural layer. The Ministry of Culture is developing a series of onboard programs that will include live storytelling, interactive workshops, art displays, and photographic exhibitions. These experiences aim to bring the Kingdom’s traditions to life while offering guests a sense of connection with the people and history of each region.
Every carriage will also display curated Saudi art and photography, creating a visual thread that moves with you from one destination to the next. These elements are not decoration. They’re part of the storytelling.
A Role Within Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Dream of the Desert train plays a clear role in the Kingdom’s broader tourism strategy. It supports Vision 2030 goals by strengthening the cultural sector, attracting more international visitors, and offering experiences that rival the world’s best.
This project joins a growing list of major developments. Think NEOM, the transformation of AlUla, and new hospitality investments in Riyadh and along the Red Sea. The train adds something different. It opens up the desert interior and central regions—places often missed in typical travel plans.
Its timing is also strategic. With Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup on the horizon, Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome a global audience. The Dream of the Desert train will offer a premium way for visitors to connect with the country’s culture—beyond the city lights.
A Journey of a Lifetime
As the Dream of the Desert begins its journey across the Kingdom, it opens up more than a route. It creates space. Space to look out the window and feel the weight of stillness. Space to taste the land through its food, hear its stories in motion, and trace the lines of heritage carved into the design of every carriage.
This train doesn’t just pass through the desert—it listens to it. It lets the landscape breathe through the windows, through the art, through the people you meet along the way. And it invites you to be part of that rhythm, even for a while.
By the time the train pulls into its final stop, the memory won’t be the destination. It’ll be the quiet in between.
FAQs
When will Saudi Arabia’s Dream of the Desert train launch?
The train is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of 2026, according to official project partners.
What is the route of the Dream of the Desert train?
The train will travel from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat along the Northern Railway network, covering approximately 1,300 kilometers.
How many guests can the train accommodate?
The Dream of the Desert will accommodate up to 82 guests in 34 luxury suites.
What kind of cultural experiences are available onboard?
The train will feature curated programs developed with the Ministry of Culture, including live storytelling, art, and interactive workshops.
Where can I find booking details and ticket prices?
Information on Dream of the Desert booking and ticket prices will be released closer to launch through Saudi Arabia Railways and official tourism channels.
