Dream of the Desert: Saudi Arabia to roll out Middle East’s first luxury train

A new swanky train is all poised to hit the rails with a bang that could give classic trains such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Royal Scotsman a run for their money. The first luxury train of the Middle East, aptly named ‘Dream of the Desert’, is gearing up to welcome its first passenger onboard in Saudi Arabia. The train, which offers an exhilarating journey through the heart of Saudi Arabia, gives a new definition of luxury.

The passengers will be in the lap of luxury as the train covers 800 miles from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, to the border with Jordon, which is on the northwest side. The lavish journey is peppered with expansive picturesque deserts and UNESCO World Heritage archaeological sites. The main attractions on the way include the historic city of Ha’il in the Al-Qassim province and the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve in Al Jouf. Al-Qurayat near the Jordan border is the final stop of the opulent train. Reservations for the train are expected to open in late 2024, and the first journey will be in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The Saudi Arabia Railways has tied up with Arsenale Group, an Italian hospitality company, to make ‘Dream of the Desert’ a reality. The train will carry 82 passengers in 40 bogies, and boasts of a luxury restaurant, lounge bar and sleeping quarters, among others. The ultra-luxurious train is eyeing foreign tourists who come to Saudi Arabia in search of its rich cultural heritage. Besides offering a novel travel experience to the tourists, the project also reflects Saudi’s commitment to open its doors to the whole world. With ‘Dream of the Desert’, Saudi Arabia is opening a new chapter as part of its efforts to attract investment to its tourism sector.