Travel
This is what the luxurious $53 million train looks like inside: It’s like a mobile five-star hotel
Luxury train travelers will have a new line to add to there bucket list when the Dream of the Desert starts operations next year in Saudi Arabia.
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Saudi Arabia is looking to redefine luxury train travel in the Kingdom with a five-star hotel on rails. The Dream of the Desert is a joint project between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality company Arsenale. The final designs for the ultra-luxury train were unveiled this week to coincide with the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Saudi Arabia reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Dream of the Desert will travel along SAR’s Northern Railway network from the capital city of Riyadh to Qurayyat near the border with Jordan. Passengers will not just enjoy the opulence of the “luxury train cruise” but also take in the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia at iconic landmarks during journey.
The opulence of the $53 million train
“The train combines luxury, innovation, and cultural authenticity, setting a new standard in rail travel,” said Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of SAR Eng. Passengers will be treated to a combination of “world-class hospitality with exquisite design, setting a new benchmark for premium rail travel.”
The Dream of the Desert will consist of 14 carriages featuring 34 luxury suites, “offering an exclusive and intimate experience for travelers.” These will feature elegant reception lounges that feel like traditional majlis settings, the room where guests are welcomed in Saudi Arabia. They will feature geometric patterns and intricately hand-carved wooden elements.
The interiors are inspired by the desert landscape of the Kingdom as well as its traditional architecture. They will feature intricate decorative details, luxurious textiles and refined craftsmanship using earthy tones along with golds, beiges and darker tones according to CNN.
In order to offer passengers an enriching journey both visually and culturally, motifs and architectural elements from iconic Saudi landmarks have been integrated into the train’s design. The design was the creation of Culture in Architecture studio architect and designer Aline Asmar d’Amman.
Dream of the Desert part of Saudi Vision 2030
The Dream of the Desert is part of Saudi Arabia’s investments to secure its status as a premier global tourism destination and attract more high-end tourism to the Kingdom as well as support its cultural sector through its Saudi Vision 2030. Along the journey on the luxury train, passengers will be able to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabian traditions through curated cultural programs created in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
“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,” said Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale Group. “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.”
The first Dream of the Desert train will begin operating at the end of the third quarter of 2026 said Barletta. However, you will soon be able to check out the booking details and exclusive packages on the official website.
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