Saudi Arabia’s First Luxury Train Sets Course for 2026
Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch its first luxury rail experience, with pre-reservations now open for Dream of the Desert, scheduled to debut in late 2026. The 14-car train will operate five curated itineraries across the Kingdom, each lasting one or two nights. With a limited number of suites per journey, the project marks a new step in Saudi Arabia’s expanding high-end travel offering.
Dream of the Desert was first announced in 2024 and will be the Middle East’s first luxury train of its kind. The project brings together Saudi Arabia Railways, the Ministry of Culture, and the Saudi Tourism Authority, working in partnership with Italian firm Arsenale. The company is known for its involvement in several European hospitality and rail projects, including Italy’s La Dolce Vita Orient Express.
The train will have 31 suites, including two presidential suites, with space for up to 66 guests on each journey. Facilities on board include two restaurant cars offering Saudi dishes alongside international options, as well as a Majlis lounge where drinks will be served. The carriages are refurbished vintage Italian coaches, redesigned to reflect regional aesthetics. Interior design has been led by Aline Asmar d’Amman and her studio, Culture in Architecture.
The project’s website lists the per-night cabin price and the pre-reservation deposit for early booking access.
- Price: from SAR 30,000 / night (≈ €6,800)
- Deposit: SAR 2,500 (≈ €570)
Each itinerary is designed to connect rail travel with destinations often reached by road or air. Routes pass through desert landscapes and heritage areas, including Al Jouf, Jubbah, Qassim, and AlUla. Several journeys include stops near UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Jubbah’s rock art and Marid Castle, offering structured access to locations that are less commonly visited on short itineraries.
The launch adds a new option for travellers interested in slow, experience-focused travel within Saudi Arabia. Rail journeys allow movement across large distances without relying on internal flights, while offering guided access to cultural and natural landmarks. With limited capacity and defined routes, Dream of the Desert positions rail travel as part of a broader shift towards curated, destination-led experiences rather than conventional sightseeing.