Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome a new kind of luxury traveler by rail. In 2026, the kingdom is set to launch the Dream of the Desert luxury train as part of a broader push to attract international travelers. The project is being developed by Saudi Arabian Railways in collaboration with Italy’s Arsenale Group, the creator of luxury trains such as the Orient Express La Dolce Vita. Saudi Arabian Railways has described the goal as to “redefine luxury travel with an array of amenities and personalized services.” The route focus, the curated excursions, and the dining concept all point to a product designed for ultra-premium expectations rather than mass tourism.
The scale and structure signal an exclusive experience. Two sources describe the train as a bespoke, Italian-built, 41-cabin product. Its planned itinerary stretches 800 miles from the capital, Riyadh, to Al Qurayyat near the Jordanian border. The journey emphasizes desert and mountain landscapes. Excursions are planned to include visits to the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve. Forbes adds another layer of positioning: the train has been described as aiming to rival the splendor and service of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Royal Scotsman, and the British Pullman, and it has announced it is taking pre-reservations for five itineraries.
At the center of the story is a clear investment in premium experience design. CNN and WGAL report the project cost at $53 million. That budget aligns with a train meant to feel custom rather than conventional. Forbes reports the train will feature 31 suites, including two presidential suites, with space for a maximum of 66 passengers per trip. It also describes a 14-car train using vintage Italian train carriages that have been redesigned. Together, these details reinforce the strategy: limit capacity, raise the perceived standard, and sell a curated rail journey where the train itself is a destination.
Why Ultra-Premium Travelers Are the Target
The onboard experience is being built around the details that high-end travelers tend to remember. CNN and WGAL report that the onboard concept places particular emphasis on dining, blending international and Saudi influences. Forbes adds operational specifics: two restaurant cars will offer traditional Saudi cuisine alongside an international menu with a strong Italian influence, and cocktails will be served in the Majlis lounge. The itineraries are designed to range from one to two nights and aim to deliver an immersive experience of the country. That combination suggests a focus on short, high-yield trips with a strong sense of place.
The Dream of the Desert luxury train also sits inside a wider tourism and hospitality shift toward high-yield demand. Skift reports Saudi Arabia had 122 million domestic and international visitors in 2025, a 5% year-over-year increase, and tourism spending rose 6% to nearly 300 billion riyals ($81 billion). The same report notes that 78% of upcoming hotel supply is concentrated in the luxury and upscale tiers, reinforcing how much of the pipeline is aimed at premium guests. Against that backdrop, a limited-capacity, dining-led luxury rail product fits a strategy built around extending stays and boosting average daily spend.
What is the dream of the desert luxury train?
What route will Dream of the Desert run?
How much does the project cost and who is building it?
What onboard experiences are highlighted for ultra-premium travelers?
