Saudi Arabia is set to transform luxury travel with the launch of its ultra-luxury train, the Dream of the Desert, also known as the Desert Dream Train, scheduled to begin service at the end of 2026. The project marks the first time the Middle East will have a dedicated ultra-luxury rail experience, incorporating cultural, fine hospitality, and iconic desert landscapes into a single, curated journey.
Dream of the Desert: Saudi Arabia’s Ultra-Luxury Train
Dream of the Desert is a five-star travelling destination designed to redefine what luxury rail travel means in the region. The train will operate over about 1,300 kilometers of existing rail lines, departing from Riyadh and travelling north through scenic provinces such as Al Qassim, Ha’il, and Al Jouf before reaching its northern terminus at Al Qurayyat.
Inside its 14 meticulously crafted carriages, passengers will find 31 private suites and two presidential suites, accommodating up to 66 guests, each designed with a keen attention to comfort, privacy, and regional aesthetics. The journey will offer one- and two-night itineraries that highlight Saudi landscapes and heritage sites.
Hospitality features include two restaurant cars and a central Majlis lounge, where fine dining featuring both Saudi-inspired dishes and international menus will be served at a Michelin-level standard. The lounge and dining spaces are designed to foster social engagement and reflection, with Arabian and contemporary luxury touches.
Aline Asmar d’Amman’s Vision
A significant part of what makes Dream of the Desert extraordinary is its design, led by Lebanese architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman, founder of the studio Culture in Architecture. Asmar d’Amman’s approach to modern luxury is with consideration for Saudi cultural heritage. The interior palette draws from the earthy hues of the desert and traditional architectural motifs, from the geometric patterns rooted in Arabian culture to references inspired by landmarks like Madain Saleh and Hail.
The design philosophy emphasizes craftsmanship and cultural continuity. Earthy tones paired with rich textiles, carved woodwork, and golden accents evoke both the warmth of the desert and classical hospitality traditions. Decorative elements throughout the train, from marquetry in suites to bespoke textile patterns in communal spaces, create an ambience that celebrates local identity without sacrificing contemporary elegance.
The Dream of the Desert train will officially inaugurate its journeys in late 2026, with pre-reservations already open for discerning travelers seeking to book this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This launch not only expands Saudi Arabia’s luxury travel offerings but also sets a new benchmark for rail tourism in the Middle East, integrating craftsmanship, culture, and bespoke hospitality. It reflects a broader shift in global luxury travel towards immersive, destination-centric experiences where the journey itself becomes as important as the places visited.
