Inside Saudi Arabia’s first five-star luxury train worth Rs 461 crores. Check Dream of the Desert's lavish features and photos

Saudi Arabia’s Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality giant Arsenale have revealed the final designs for their ambitious "Dream of the Desert" luxury train, set to become the first five-star train in the Middle East. The unveiling took place during the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in redefining luxury rail travel in the region.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the project is a result of the partnership between SAR and Arsenale, which culminated in a formal agreement valued at 200 million Saudi riyals (around Rs 461 crore) in January 2024. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to develop luxury tourism services and align with Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s plan to diversify its economy and enhance cultural tourism.

A New Era in Luxury Travel

The Dream of the Desert train will offer a high-end travel experience, featuring 14 carriages with 34 luxurious suites. Designed as a mobile five-star hotel, it aims to merge world-class hospitality with a rich cultural experience. The interiors of the train are inspired by Saudi Arabia’s iconic desert landscapes and traditional architecture, reflecting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

The luxurious décor includes earthy tones, fine textiles, and intricate artistic details, which incorporate motifs from famous landmarks like Madain Saleh and Hail.

The train is designed not only to provide an unparalleled luxury experience but also to immerse passengers in Saudi Arabia’s history and culture. Its interior features elegant reception lounges modelled after traditional majlis (gathering spaces), with hand-carved woodwork and geometric patterns that showcase the country’s warmth and hospitality.

A Cultural Journey on Rails

The Dream of the Desert train will also offer a unique cultural experience. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, curated cultural programs will allow passengers to explore Saudi Arabia’s traditions dynamically and interactively. The Saudi Tourism Authority and the Center for Development Authorities Support are working on creating tailored tourism itineraries that integrate seamlessly with the train journey, offering travellers a deeper connection to the Kingdom’s natural and cultural sites.

Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale Group, expressed excitement over the project, highlighting the goal of creating a travel experience that is unmatched in its luxury and cultural depth. According to Barletta, the Dream of the Desert is not just a luxury train; it is an immersive journey that merges world-class design, hospitality, and Saudi traditions. He emphasized that the collaboration with SAR, the Ministry of Culture, and the Saudi Tourism Authority has been key in bringing the project to life authentically, reflecting the Kingdom’s beauty.

Anticipation Builds for the Launch

The train will begin operations by the end of Q3 2026, with booking details and exclusive packages to be announced on the official website. The onboard dining experience will fuse traditional flavours with sophisticated culinary artistry, offering a menu designed by top chefs from both Saudi Arabia and abroad. Passengers will also be able to admire art pieces and photography that showcase Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural landmarks.

The Dream of the Desert train promises to elevate luxury travel in Saudi Arabia, offering an experience that goes beyond luxury, deeply rooted in the Kingdom’s cultural and historical identity. With its elegant design, exceptional service, and cultural immersion, this train is poised to become a must-experience attraction for those seeking a unique and opulent way to explore Saudi Arabia’s vast heritage and stunning landscapes.