SAUDI Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality company Arsenale have unveiled the final designs of the Dream of the Desert Train, a new five-star service, which SAR says will redefine luxury train travel in the Middle East.
SAR and Arsenale signed an agreement to develop the project in 2024. The 14-car train will feature 34 luxury suites, offering what SAR describes as “an exclusive and intimate experience for travellers,” and a “travelling five-star destination.”
“The train combines world-class hospitality with exquisite design, setting a new benchmark for premium rail travel,” SAR says.
Dream of the Desert is designed by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman and her studio Culture in Architecture. SAR says the design reflects harmonious fusion of modern elegance and Saudi heritage.
“Inspired by the desert landscape and traditional Saudi architecture, the interiors feature refined craftsmanship, with earthy tones, luxurious textiles, and intricate decorative details,” SAR says.
The new train will be deployed on SAR’s Northern Railway, departing from Riyadh. Through a collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, passengers will be able to enjoy curated cultural programmes. In addition, the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Centre for Development Authorities is working to offer unique tourism opportunities that align with the train’s journey.
"At SAR, we believe our role extends beyond operating a railway network,” says SAR CEO, Bashar bin Khalid AlMalik. “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.”
