Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality company Arsenale officially unveiled the final designs for the "Dream of the Desert" train, the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
The unveiling marks another milestone in the execution of the agreement signed last year between SAR and Arsenale. The event coincided with the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Saudi Arabia.
The "Dream of the Desert" train includes 14 carriages housing 34 luxury suites, offering an intimate experience for travelers seeking cultural experiences, Travel And Tour World reported. Departing from Riyadh, the train will traverse Saudi Arabia Railways' Northern Railway network, taking guests on a journey through some of the Kingdom's heritage and natural sites, according to Sabq.
"At SAR, we believe our role extends beyond operating a railway network—we are actively attracting global investments to introduce advanced transport solutions that support economic growth and regional connectivity," said Dr. Bashar bin Khalid AlMalik, CEO of Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR).
"The Dream of the Desert train is a prime example of this commitment, demonstrating how collaboration between private and public sector entities can create groundbreaking experiences in luxury transport," he added.
The train's interior design reflects Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage, integrating elements from its desert landscapes and traditional architecture. The décor incorporates motifs from famous landmarks like Madain Saleh and Hail. The reception lounges are inspired by traditional majlis settings and are adorned with hand-carved wooden elements and geometric patterns.
Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, emphasized the significance of the project. "The National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to develop an integrated transport network that strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub. The Dream of the Desert train is a testament to our commitment to this vision, delivering innovative solutions that elevate both the transport and tourism sectors," he stated, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale Group, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative. "When we first envisioned Dream of the Desert, our goal was to create an unparalleled travel experience—one that would take guests on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Saudi Arabia. This project is more than just a luxury train; it is a fully immersive experience that blends refined design, world-class hospitality, and rich cultural traditions," he said, according to Zawya.com.
The "Dream of the Desert" train is expected to begin operations by the end of the third quarter of 2026. "Dream of the Desert will begin operations by the end of Q3 2026, with booking details and exclusive packages to be announced soon on the official website," Paolo Barletta stated, according to ANSA.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.