Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions just picked up speed. And style.
At this year’s Future Investment Initiative (FII9) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian design powerhouse Arsenale pulled back the curtain on one of the carriages from the soon-to-launch Dream of the Desert, the Middle East’s first five-star luxury train.
The unveiling, which took place during the high-profile FII9 conference (27–30 October), gaves investors, decision-makers, and guests an early sneak peek into what’s shaping up to be one of the most luxurious and culture-rich rail experiences in the world, and a game-changer for Saudi Arabia’s tourism scene.
A new chapter in Saudi luxury travel
Dream of the Desert is the product of a unique partnership between SAR and Arsenale, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Center for Development Authorities Support. Together, they’ve created a train that combines modern innovation with authentic Saudi heritage – a fusion of luxury, storytelling, and national identity that mirrors the country’s Vision 2030 journey.
Each carriage has been meticulously designed to reflect Saudi culture and craftsmanship. Think desert-inspired palettes, fine materials, and immersive design touches that capture the essence of the Kingdom’s landscapes and traditions.
Driving Vision 2030 forward
During his visit to the exhibition site, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and SAR Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser said that unveiling the first Dream of the Desert carriage during FII9 highlighted the significant advancements in the railway transport sector and the development of world-class travel experiences.
He noted that the train is one of the key outcomes of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to introduce modern mobility options and tourism-oriented transport alternatives to enhance quality of life. He added that the project reflects growing foreign investment in the Kingdom’s transport and logistics ecosystem, involving leading global companies and investors.
Al-Jasser also praised the generous support extended by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to transport and logistics projects, emphasising the sector’s developmental role in driving economic growth, achieving sustainability, and enabling national strategies in tourism, industry, mining, and trade across the Kingdom’s modern rail networks, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
What to expect on board the Dream
Scheduled to roll out by late 2026, the Dream of the Desert will take passengers on a breathtaking 1,300-kilometre journey from Riyadh through the Northern Railway network, passing through some of Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular natural and cultural destinations.
Guests can choose from one- or two-night journeys, complete with five-star service, fine dining, and curated excursions that celebrate Saudi Arabia’s diversity from sweeping desert vistas to ancient heritage sites.
Expect opulent suites, world-class gastronomy, personalised service, and immersive onboard cultural experiences that bring the Kingdom’s stories to life. Each journey will be a showcase of authentic Saudi hospitality, designed for those who crave both adventure and refinement.
For locals, it’s a new way to rediscover the beauty of their homeland; and for international visitors, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to see Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism landscape from an entirely new perspective — quite literally on the move. Much more than a mode of transport, the Dream of the Desert embodies Saudi Arabia’s vision of sustainable, experience-led tourism growth, and we look forward to experiencing it ourselves.
Also read: Saudi Arabia’s surprising nature spots
