Saudi Arabia is set to introduce its very own luxury train service, offering an exciting new way to travel through the desert.

Traveling through the vast desert landscape is about to become a far more stylish and luxurious experience.

In 2019, Saudi Arabia welcomed international tourists in what was considered a historic milestone, and since then, the country has been ramping up its efforts to attract visitors from around the globe.

Now, the kingdom is embracing the slow travel trend by entering the world of luxury trains, signaling a bold step in its tourism evolution.

A ‘luxury train cruise’ is the next big thing on Saudi Arabia’s travel agenda.

According to Saudi Arabia’s state-run media, the ‘Dream of the Desert’ luxury train service is set to begin in late 2025, offering luxurious train cruises from Riyadh to Qurayyat, located near the northern border with Jordan, as announced by SAR in a recent press release.

The 1,300-kilometer journey will showcase the breathtaking desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia, including the vibrant city of Hail.

Designed with a strong influence from Saudi traditions, the fully-customized train features 40 luxurious cabins and is currently under construction, with bookings expected to open by the end of the year.

Trips of one or two nights will be available, accommodating up to 82 passengers, according to Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale.

Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, stated that production of the Dream of the Desert train cars has already started in Italy, and they are excited for the train’s debut in Saudi Arabia in the coming years.

A more sustainable option

Saudi Arabia’s move into the luxury train sector comes as global demand for high-speed rail and lavish ‘rail cruises’ continues to rise.

Around the world, countries are investing heavily in new rail infrastructure to meet growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to short-haul flights and congested highways.

The Saudi luxury train service is expected to debut about a year after the ‘Orient Express – La Dolce Vita,’ a collaboration between Arsenale Group and the Accor Group.

In 2021, renderings of the 11-carriage train were revealed, showcasing an interior inspired by the glamorous ‘La Dolce Vita’ era of the 1960s, featuring 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, an exclusive ‘Honour Suite,’ and a luxurious dining carriage.

Luigi Corradi, CEO of Trenitalia, a division of Italy’s state railway company Ferrovie dello Stato, explained that ‘train travel offers a more eco-friendly mode of transport, enhancing visits to both major cities and charming smaller destinations with rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes.’

The announcement of Dream of the Desert comes nearly six years after the launch of Saudi Arabia’s Haramain High Speed Railway, which connected the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in 2018.

Investing in infrastructure

The rail network will feature trains traveling at speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph), with plans to eventually expand across the entire kingdom.

Upgrades are underway on existing rail lines in the northwest, with additional high-speed routes in the pipeline.

In January 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih revealed plans for an expansive 8,000-kilometer (4,970 miles) rail network to span the entire country.

Further announcements are expected in the coming months as Saudi Arabia accelerates its efforts to boost tourism, diversify its economy, and reduce its dependence on oil revenue.

Ongoing projects include a new luxury regenerative tourism hub along the Red Sea coast and the development of the futuristic NEOM city, rising from the desert in northwest Saudi Arabia.

Recent data indicates that these initiatives are beginning to yield positive results.

According to the UNWTO, Saudi Arabia saw a 56% increase in international arrivals in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The Saudi Railway Company has committed to the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the country's economy over the next decade. The company emphasizes that developing the tourism and cultural sectors is one of its top priorities.

SAR’s CEO, Bashar bin Khaled Al Malik, is confident that the Dream of the Desert will become a key asset for the company, offering both tourists and locals an opportunity to explore more of the kingdom’s regions with a seamless, luxurious transportation experience.

Will Dream of the Desert be able to rival iconic trains like the Orient Express – La Dolce Vita, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, or even Japan's renowned Seven Stars in Kyushu? Only time will tell.

We’ll have to wait and see, but it’s clear that SAR has ambitious expectations for this bold new venture.

Al Malik stated, ‘The signing of this MoU (memorandum of understanding) between SAR and Arsenale marks the beginning of a new luxury travel experience by train, a significant step in expanding our offerings within the tourism market.’

This article was contributed by Dinogo’s Lilit Marcus and Ben Jones.