The train will consist of 14 carriages housing 34 luxury suites, offering passengers an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. The reception rooms are inspired by the 'majlis', the traditional Saudi room where guests are received, and feature geometric patterns and hand-carved wooden elements. The suites, meanwhile, combine Art Deco style with regional aesthetics, incorporating emerald sofas, headboards and curtains that add a touch of sophistication.
As for the dining experience, the 'Sueño del Desierto' will feature a haute cuisine restaurant offering menus prepared by local and international chefs, providing a fusion of flavors that will delight the most demanding palates. In addition, the corridors will be adorned with artwork and photographs of Saudi cultural landmarks, further enriching the travelers' experience.
The train route will cover approximately 1,300 kilometers, connecting the capital, Riyadh, to Qurayyat, near the northern border with Jordan. This route will allow passengers to discover breathtaking landscapes and remote regions of the country, making stops in iconic cities such as Hail. Itineraries will be available in one- and two-night options, offering flexibility to travelers.
The 'Desert Dream' will not only focus on luxury, but also on cultural immersion. In collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture, selected cultural programs have been developed for guests, as well as unique sightseeing itineraries that integrate seamlessly with the train journey. These initiatives seek to offer passengers a deeper understanding of the country's rich history and traditions.
This project is part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country's economy and position it as a global tourism destination. With significant investments in infrastructure and tourism development, the 'Desert Dream' is a key step in attracting high net worth travelers and offering unique experiences that combine luxury and culture.
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale Group, highlighted the importance of this project, stating that the train will be a “fully immersive experience” that fuses exquisite design and cultural traditions. For his part, Bashar bin Khalid AlMalik, CEO of SAR, emphasized the company's commitment to attracting global investment and introducing advanced transportation solutions to support economic growth and regional connectivity.
The 'Desert Dream' is expected to make its maiden voyage in the third quarter of 2026, marking a milestone in the luxury transportation sector in the Middle East. Bookings will be available from 2024, and production of the train is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2025. This development underscores the evolution of Saudi Arabia's transportation and tourism infrastructure, reflecting the country's ambition to become a world-class luxury travel destination.
With the introduction of the 'Desert Dream', Saudi Arabia is not only looking to redefine luxury rail travel in the region, but also to set a new standard in high-end experiential tourism. Offering a unique combination of luxury, design and culture, this project promises to attract tourists from around the world seeking exclusive and memorable experiences.
The 'Desert Dream' represents an unprecedented fusion of modern luxury and cultural heritage, offering travelers a unique experience that celebrates the identity of Saudi Arabia while setting new standards in luxury tourism.
