Slow travel: Saudi Arabia unveils 'Dream of the Desert' sleeper train
Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch its first ultra-luxury train, Dream of the Desert, designed to showcase the country’s landscapes and heritage through slow travel experiences on rail. Jenny Southan reports
Saudi Arabia has revealed plans for its first ultra-luxury sleeper train, Dream of the Desert, a new rail experience coming in late 2026 that has been developed by Italy-based Arsenale Group, in partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways and national tourism bodies.
Dream of the Desert is designed to carry just 66 passengers across a 1,300km network through Saudi Arabia. The train consists of 14 carriages, including 33 suite cabins, two restaurant cars and a majlis-inspired lounge. Prices start from SAR 30,000 (about £6,000) per cabin per night.
The project marks a significant step in the Kingdom’s efforts to expand high-end tourism beyond hotels and resorts, and into experiential travel. It has been conceived as a "slow travel" experience, with journeys that place as much emphasis on time spent onboard as on guided excursions off the train.
The interiors of Dream of the Desert have been designed by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman, founder of Culture in Architecture. The carriages are Italian-built but have been refitted rather than replaced, a decision that reflects a focus on reuse and long-term value.
Materials and design references draw on Saudi traditions, including carved wood, woven textiles and colour palettes inspired by desert landscapes and oasis greenery.
Asmar d’Amman says: “Slow travel is about surrendering to the moment. My aim is to induce this feeling by translating it into a tactile and visual language: velvety textiles that invite touch, warm woods that recall traditional craft, sculptural lighting that creates intimacy.
"The desert’s palette of earthy tones, and sandy browns are balanced with a zest of lavender, oasis green and burnt oranges, infusing each space with a sense of culture and serenity. From the reception lounge to the restaurant, the interiors become a continuous meditation on presence and place in motion."
Dining plays a central role in the experience. The two restaurant cars will serve rotating menus created by local and international chefs. One focuses on Saudi flavours and regional produce, while the other blends Italian techniques with global influences. Meals are included as part of the journey, alongside curated on-board programming and guided off-train experiences.
Five itineraries have been announced, each running between October and May, except for two seasonal routes. These range from a two-day return journey from Riyadh to Jubbah, centred on prehistoric rock art sites, to longer routes that continue north to Al Jouf and AlUla.
One itinerary, "Ramadan Nights", operates during February and March and includes overnight travel with suhoor and iftar served onboard, alongside a stargazing stop in Qassim. Another, "Summer Mirage", is designed for warmer months and takes place entirely onboard, departing from and returning to Riyadh.
Each itinerary combines rail travel with cultural and natural experiences such as visits to Diriyah, desert camps, guided heritage tours and hosted meals in outdoor settings. Accommodation off the train is included on selected routes, particularly those ending in AlUla.
The project has been developed in collaboration with Saudi Arabia Railways, the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Tourism Development Fund. Saudi Arabia Railways operates a 5,000km network across the country and plays a central role in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to improve connectivity and diversify the economy through tourism and logistics.
Paolo Barletta, chief executive of Arsenale Group, says Dream of the Desert builds on the company’s experience in luxury rail, following the launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy. He describes the Saudi project as the company’s first overseas luxury train and a foundation for further expansion in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.
Pre-reservations for Dream of the Desert are now open, with pricing varying by itinerary and including accommodation, meals and experiences. A refundable pre-booking fee of SAR 2,500 per suite (about £500) provides priority access once full reservations open, as well as an invitation to the inaugural launch event.
The introduction of Dream of the Desert reflects a broader shift in Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy towards immersive, place-led experiences that encourage longer stays and deeper engagement with the country’s culture and geography. For the luxury travel sector, it signals growing demand for rail-based journeys that combine comfort, storytelling and low-paced exploration.
