A unique travel experience is set to begin soon in Saudi Arabia. The country will make history with the launch of the ‘Dream of the Desert,’ a luxurious train that will operate as the Middle East’s first five-star mobile hotel. This ambitious project is being executed by the Italian firm, Arsenale Group.
The train’s design and plans were unveiled yesterday, Tuesday (October 28th), at the prestigious ‘Future Investment Initiative’ conference held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
✨ A Journey of Unparalleled Luxury
According to ‘The National,’ an Emirates-based news outlet, the ‘Dream of the Desert’ will feature 33 private suites:
• 31 standard Private Suites.
• 2 Presidential Suites.
The lavish train will be able to host a maximum of 66 guests at a time. Passengers will enjoy two dedicated restaurant carriages and a traditional ‘Majlis Lounge.’
The lounge’s interior—with wooden carvings, golden adornments, and a blend of warm colors inspired by the desert—is designed to highlight the sophistication of Saudi heritage.
The restaurant cars will serve local Saudi cuisine alongside international menus and Italian fusion dishes, all crafted by world-renowned chefs.
🤝 The Vision and the Destination
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale Group, described the train as “a mobile work of art, a combination of the subtlety of Italian craftsmanship and the Saudi vision. It will redefine what constitutes unparalleled luxury travel.”
The project is a collaborative effort involving Saudi Arabia Railways, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Transport Authority, the Ministry of Culture, and the Saudi Tourism Authority.
The train is scheduled to make its inaugural journey from Riyadh towards the end of 2026. It will travel along a nearly 1,300-kilometer-long railway line. Along the route, it will stop at some of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking natural and historical sites, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.
An additional, extraordinary, but currently secret destination has been mentioned, with its name set to be announced soon. Guests can choose between one-night or two-night travel packages, offering diverse experiences both on and off the train.
🎨 Design Inspired by Heritage
The interior design was created by the Lebanon-born architect and designer Aline Asmar d’Amman, founder of the ‘Culture in Architecture Studio.’ Her design beautifully blends Saudi and Italian heritage, incorporating carved wood, traditional textile weaves, and subtle textures throughout the train.
