Dream of the Desert opens ultra luxury Saudi rail journeys
Reservations are now open for the world's first ultra luxury desert train, which will carry guests through northern Saudi Arabia's ancient landscapes and cultural heritage from October 2027. The venture represents a new expression of refined travel, where life aboard the train proves as compelling as the destinations themselves.
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A cream and violet train cuts across the terracotta vastness of the northern Saudi desert, and with it comes a singular vision of how luxury travel might unfold across ancient landscapes. Dream of the Desert, which opens reservations this November for journeys departing in October 2027, introduces a new form of rail hospitality conceived entirely around the Kingdom’s heritage, natural beauty and living traditions.
Departing from Riyadh, the train will carry guests into regions whose historical significance and geological drama remain largely unfamiliar to international travellers. The journeys thread through ancient settlements, mountain ranges and desert expanses that frame an intimate encounter with Saudi Arabia’s many dimensions. Each voyage extends far beyond the railway itself, weaving carefully curated experiences within the communities and landscapes the train traverses.
The first phase features twenty four Suite Cabins, a dedicated Restaurant Carriage and a Majlis Carriage inspired by the Saudi tradition of communal gathering and hospitality. Within this refined floating world, guests move between the sanctuary of their suites, refined dining informed by the Kingdom’s culinary heritage, and moments spent in contemplative conversation. The personalised service echoes the customs of Arabian hospitality, whilst the culinary experience draws from local flavours and traditional preparations that reflect the territories the train passes through.
The inaugural collection introduces two distinct journeys, The Desert Kingdoms and Shadows of Aja, each offering a different perspective on the northern regions. Raffaele Breschi, CEO of Arsenale International and General Manager of Dream of the Desert, describes the enterprise not as a train journey but as a carefully orchestrated fusion of rail, hospitality, culture and destination discovery. The venture reflects a long term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s tourism evolution and to the specific regions its route serves.
Bookings are available now, with the first commercial departures scheduled for October 2027. Those wishing to experience this unprecedented form of desert travel should reserve through established travel advisors.
Imagery courtesy of Dream of the Desert.