The luxury train will begin operations in 2026. 

Get ready to hop on board. Saudi Arabia earlier announced plans to launch a luxury train service, Dream of the Desert. The first of its kind in the Middle East, the service is scheduled to open for bookings by the third quarter of 2026. Now, details of its design have been unveiled.

Dream of the Desert will feature 14 carriages housing 34 suites, offering passengers an intimate and exclusive experience. Each suite will be designed to reflect the desert’s natural beauty through earthy tones and details inspired by landmarks such as Madain Saleh and Hail.

Designed as a five-star destination on wheels, Dream of the Desert will provide world-class hospitality and amenities and deliver an unforgettable travel experience. Ready to launch next year, it aims to revolutionise local travel within the Kingdom.

Apart from providing ultimate comfort, Dream of the Desert will also be hosting special tours. These will provide an insight to travellers of the region’s rich history and culture, promising an immersive experience – and making the train ride all the more interesting.

Saudi Arabia Railways has partnered with the Italian Arsenale Group, which specialises in high-end train trips. The first trips will depart from the North Train Station in Riyadh and run through Hail to Al Qurayyat.

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, and Chairman of the Saudi Arabia Railways Engineer, Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, explained: “This is one of the initiatives the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics has taken to improve the quality of life and support leading national strategies.”

Dream of the Desert’s initial production stages have begun in Italy. Italian Arsenale Group is a high-end hospitality group that develops and manages hotels in Italy. The company has also previously partnered with the Orient Express, Trenitalia-Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato, and Fondazione FS Italiane.

In 1947, the first railway line was constructed in Saudi Arabia. In 1981, Riyadh Dry Port was opened, and 2018 the Haramain high-speed railway was introduced. In a bid to create environmentally friendly modes of transport, the Kingdom has also been testing out hydrogen-powered trains. 

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GO: Visit www.sar.com.sa for more information.