The announcement of the official opening of pre-reservation for Dream of the Desert marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of luxury tourism in Saudi Arabia. Arsenale S.p.A., an Italian company specialized in creating high-end rail experiences, presents to the international public its first extra-European project entirely developed in Italy, destined to revolutionize the concept of rail travel across the Gulf.
From late 2026, the ultra-luxury train will traverse the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, offering passengers an immersive itinerary through desert landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and elite hospitality.
The collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia
The official unveiling took place during Tourise, the international event dedicated to luxury tourism, where Arsenale signed two key agreements with the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Tourism Development Fund.
It is a double Memorandum of Understanding that solidifies the alliance between the Italian know-how and the Saudi strategic vision, and lays the groundwork for a project supported both in terms of funding and global promotion.
The shared goal is to bring to life a new model of experiential tourism that unites luxury, culture, and sustainability, contributing to the Kingdom’s transformation path launched with Vision 2030.
A Made-in-Italy train conceived for the Saudi desert
The symbolic and cultural value of the project is reflected in its entire realization, entrusted to Italian master artisans at the Brindisi and Bergamo hubs.
The fourteen carriages compose an environment that blends technological precision, contemporary comfort, and refined aesthetics, giving rise to 31 suites and two Royal suites for a total of 66 guests. The interiors, designed by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman and her studio Culture in Architecture, reinterpret Italian design with references to Saudi hospitality, in a constant dialogue between two cultural worlds. Each carriage thus becomes a traveling gallery, where materials, decorations, and geometries echo the Kingdom’s traditions and the clean lines of Italian luxury.
Five itineraries to discover the Kingdom
The travel offering is structured around five thematic itineraries that allow exploring the five facets of the Saudi landscape and its cultural identity.
The route “The Northern Sands” guides passengers for three days from Riyadh to Al Jouf, among ancient fortresses and rock formations covered with prehistoric carvings, culminating in an immersive night amidst the dunes under a star-filled sky; “A Taste of AlUla” engages the modern capital with the millennial heritage of the AlUla region, proposing a journey that culminates in tailor-made experiences crafted in collaboration with AlUla Destination. “Whispers of Jubbah” concentrates in two days the archaeological site of Jubbah and a visit to Diriyah, the cradle of the nation.
Dream of the Desert also offers occasions tailored to meaningful times of the year: with “Ramadan Nights,” the onboard experience becomes a moment of contemplation and refined conviviality, with iftar and suhoor served in the desert’s silence and a stargazing session after the evening meal. In summer, the itinerary “Summer Mirage” maps a short Riyadh-bound route that highlights the charm of desert atmospheres in the hottest months, with dedicated events, gourmet cuisine, and hospitality designed to ensure maximum comfort.
A luxurious journey of 1,300 kilometers
The project also stems from a solid partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways and involves the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and other national institutions.
The aim is to weave Saudi cultural heritage into every detail and transform the rail journey into an itinerant narrative spanning roughly 1,300 kilometers. As Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, stated, the train represents a bridge between Italy and Saudi Arabia grounded in innovation, craftsmanship, and the enhancement of the territory. It is an initiative designed to pave the way for new joint projects and to consolidate the Italian presence in the luxury mobility of the future.
Pre-reservation, prices and participation details
To access the pre-reservation phase, already active, simply visit the official site and pay a deposit of 3,000 SAR, which guarantees absolute priority when definitive bookings open. The amount will be deducted from the final travel price and will allow participants to receive an invitation to the exclusive inaugural event to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Tickets will start from 30,000 SAR (equivalent to about 6,900 euros) per cabin per night, with rates varying according to itinerary duration and departure date. A price that places “Dream of the Desert” among the world’s most exclusive luxury rail experiences, designed for an international audience seeking a spectacular journey and the discovery of the Kingdom’s still relatively unexplored lands.
