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Mon, Jan 19, 2026 | Shaban 1, 1447 | Fajr 05:45 | DXB 
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Inside 'Dream of the Desert': Saudi Arabia unveils its ultra-luxury train
Partnering with Italy's Arsenale, the Kingdom is all set to unveil the 33-suite train that redefines high-end, slow-travel through its dramatic landscapes
Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions keep stretching higher and its first ultra-luxury train is designed to match that scale. After surpassing the 100‑million-tourist milestone in late 2023 and later raising its target to 150 million by 2030, Saudi Arabia made a statement at Future Investment Initiaitive (FII) by unveiling Dream of the Desert. The 33-suite, ultra-luxury train highlights the Kingdom’s ambition to build a new class of experiential travel. The project is Arsenale’s first step into the Middle East, but it’s not the company’s first luxury rail venture. It already runs the La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy and has signed deals for trains in the UAE, Egypt, and Uzbekistan, showing a clear plan for global expansion.
The train, which is currently being built in Italy and is set to begin journeys in late 2026, offers a slow-travel route through some of Saudi Arabia’s most remote and dramatic landscapes. But it’s also a symbol of a broader shift. As the Kingdom attempts to diversify its tourism base while still courting big-ticket travellers, Dream of the Desert shows how luxury is being redefined: less about excess, more about immersion, craftsmanship, and cultural access. Arsenale CEO Paolo Barletta describes the project as a “moving narrative” that blends Italian design with Saudi heritage. Combined with Saudi Arabia’s rapid tourism growth and a regional luxury market that continues to outpace global averages, the train is positioned as a flagship for where ultra-luxury travel in the Gulf is heading next.
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“We were deeply inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, not only as an economic roadmap but also as a cultural and environmental ambition,” Barletta told the KT LUXE. “This train represents much more than transportation... our goal is to deliver a meaningful, slow travel experience that honours the environment and connects guests more deeply to the Kingdom.”
Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf are not building tourism in a vacuum. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) recorded about 68.1 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, up roughly 43 per cent compared with 2019. Tourism has also boosted integration within the GCC. Last year, intra-GCC travel was up 52.1 per cent compared with 2019, with around 19.3 million tourists moving within the region, representing 26.7 per cent of all international visitors. The travel and tourism sector contributed $247.1 billion to GCC GDP in 2024, a 31.9 per cent increase from 2019, according to the GCC Statistical Centre.
Those numbers matter for Arsenale. For a luxury rail operator looking to expand beyond Europe, the Gulf offers not only growing international tourism but also a rising base of regional travellers experimenting with trips within the GCC. The decision to partner with national institutions and launch Dream of the Desert reflects a moment when market conditions, regional demand, and Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategies are all coming together.
“Saudi Arabia immediately attracted our interest for its ambitious investment in tourism, clear institutional vision, and rich cultural and natural heritage,” Barletta said. Working closely with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), the Ministry of Transport, the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Tourism Development Fund, and the Ministry of Culture gave Arsenale the confidence to bring their luxury rail-cruise concept to the Kingdom in a way that feels both authentic and truly world-class, he explained. “SAR acts as our technical backbone, providing access to the national rail network and ensuring seamless infrastructure integration,” Barletta said. “This public-private partnership gives us the unique ability to merge refined luxury with genuine cultural authenticity and a shared commitment to heritage preservation.”
Saudi Arabia isn’t just chasing visitor numbers. Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al‑Khateeb told Oxford Business Group that the Kingdom’s post-pandemic push is about turning the GCC nation into a top global destination. He emphasised that the private sector has played — and will continue to play — a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism economy. SAR CEO Bashar Al‑Malik emphasised that the train is a major step in expanding Arsenale’s services under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, providing a luxury tourism and entertainment option that opens up new ways for visitors and residents to see the Kingdom.
“Every moment on board is curated, from tailored excursions and exclusive cultural performances to highly personalised hospitality,” Barletta said.
The train has been imagined by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, whose studio has blended Saudi heritage and desert inspiration with contemporary luxury to create something that feels both opulent and rooted. The carriages are draped in earthy tones, rich textiles, warm desert‑inspired hues, hand‑carved woodwork, and intricate geometric patterns — a subtle nod to traditional majlis interiors. Gold‑laden ceilings, lavish velvet banquettes, and Art Deco touches in suites and lounges give the train a timeless glamour, while décor elements referencing Unesco sites like Madain Saleh and historic agricultural cities such as Hail are woven throughout, from corridor artworks to subtle motifs.
Inside, the 14 carriages contain a total of 33 luxury suites, a layout designed to ensure both intimacy and privacy. Suites will feature bespoke wood marquetry, elegant furnishings, soft lighting, and design touches that marry Arabian heritage and modern luxury. Beyond the interiors, corridors and communal spaces will double as moving galleries, decorated with curated artworks and photography celebrating Saudi culture, heritage, and landscapes.
It’s a deliberate design, where heritage, craftsmanship, and comfort converge. The goal seems to be that when you step onto Dream of the Desert, you are already travelling through Saudi Arabia’s identity long before you reach the desert dunes.
However, beyond the interiors and curated onboard experiences, what sets Dream of the Desert apart is the journey itself. “A defining element of the experience is the train’s ability to open access to remote and stunning locations across Saudi Arabia. The itinerary covers roughly 1,300 kilometres from Riyadh towards Hail, with stops at areas of natural and historical significance—deserts, mountains, heritage sites,” Barletta said. Guests can also expect to join guided excursions and experiences designed for “reflection”.
Bookings for the inaugural journeys, set for late 2026, are already open online and were announced this month. Fares start at SAR30,000 per cabin per night (which is nearly Dh29,300) with prices varying depending on itinerary and departure date. “Pricing will be positioned at the top end of the luxury market,” Barletta said. “The fare reflects not only the Italian-crafted suites and distinctive design by Aline Asmar d’Amman, but also gourmet cuisine and curated cultural programmes.”
Dream of the Desert is only the beginning for Arsenale in the region. The company is already in advanced discussions to launch a similar luxury train crossing the Middle Eastern peninsula in the United Arab Emirates, signalling that the Gulf is becoming a hub for experience-driven rail travel. “Our business model is scalable: we offer bespoke services while replicating our approach across different regions, always combining Italian design, sustainability, and high personalisation.”
While Chalhoub Group tracks retail luxury rather than travel specifically, its 2024 report shows the GCC personal-luxury market reached $ 12.8 billion, fuelled by strong tourist inflows and growing wealth, suggesting the region has both the appetite and means to support high-end experiential offerings like Dream of the Desert.
“This partnership represents a true cultural dialogue.” As Barletta puts it, Italy brings craftsmanship and design, and Saudi Arabia brings a forward‑thinking vision rooted in tradition. “The train acts as a metaphor for two contrasting cultures meeting—each sharing ideals of beauty, hospitality, and innovation. This is the new language of global luxury: engaging with local environments, celebrating cultural identity, and delivering world-class standards.”
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