Saudi Arabia reveals design of the Middle East’s first luxury train
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Saudi Arabia unveils designs for the first five-star luxury train in the Middle East, the "Dream of the Desert," marking a milestone in the region's tourism and transport innovation. Developed in partnership between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality firm Arsenale, the train promises an unparalleled travel experience inspired by Saudi Arabia's heritage and natural beauty.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the train’s design reflects the desert’s essence and traditional Saudi architecture, featuring earthy tones, intricate craftsmanship, and luxurious textiles. Iconic motifs from landmarks like Hegra and Hail seamlessly integrate into the interiors, offering passengers a cultural and visually enriching journey.
The Dream of the Desert will include 14 carriages with 34 luxury suites, providing an exclusive experience for travellers. The train will operate on the Northern Railway network, starting from Riyadh and taking guests through some of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking heritage sites.
The project also involves cultural collaboration. The Saudi Ministry of Culture will curate immersive cultural programs for passengers, allowing them to experience Saudi traditions in a unique and engaging way. The Saudi Tourism Authority and Development Authorities Support Center are developing tailor-made tourism itineraries to complement the train journey.
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabia Railways Saleh Al-Jasser highlighted the train’s significance, saying, “The Dream of the Desert train delivers innovative solutions that elevate both the transport and tourism sectors:.
"This project reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious drive to develop world-class infrastructure while offering unparalleled travel experiences that reinforce Saudi Arabia’s status as a premier global tourism destination", he added.
SAR CEO Bashar Al-Malik said, “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. 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".
With its fusion of luxury, culture and innovation, the Dream of the Desert is set to redefine luxury rail travel and bolster Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism hub.