Saudi Arabia's Dream of the Desert opens bookings for October 2027 launch
Saudi Arabia Railways and Italy's Arsenale Group have opened reservations for Dream of the Desert, with the first departures scheduled for October 2027. The ultra-luxury train's three- and four-day journeys will leave from Riyadh, with fares starting at SR86,250 for two guests sharing a private suite.
Daniel Pereira
Routes, fares and private journeys
Billed as the Middle East's first ultra-luxury desert train project, Dream of the Desert will use Saudi Arabia's existing railway network. Its route extends roughly 1,300 km north from Riyadh to Qurayyat near the Jordanian border, passing through Al Qassim and Hail.
The opening schedule offers two itineraries. On the four-day Desert Kingdoms trip, guests will explore Al Jouf and Hail, attend a gala dinner at historic Marid Castle and take part in cultural experiences in the Aja Mountains. The three-day Shadows of Aja trip visits Hail and Al Qassim, with desert excursions, stargazing and traditional Saudi meals.
The starting fare of SR86,250, approximately $23,000, covers a two-night journey for two people in a private suite. It includes VAT, accommodations, meals both aboard the train and at destinations, and organized activities throughout the trip. Reservations are available through the project's official website.
Private bookings will extend beyond those scheduled trips. According to a press release published by Zawya, The Signature Escape will offer a one-day private experience, while The Desert Odyssey will spend two days and one night in the Aja Mountains. Travelers can also reserve private departures of Desert Kingdoms and Shadows of Aja. A separate AlUla journey is planned.
Suites and Saudi-inspired interiors
The first phase will feature 24 luxury suite cabins. Onboard facilities will include a restaurant carriage and a lounge modeled on a traditional Saudi majlis. Arsenale's published specifications describe a larger, full-train design: 14 carriages containing 31 suite cabins and two royal or presidential suites, accommodating no more than 66 guests per trip.
Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d'Amman and her studio, Culture in Architecture, designed the interiors, bringing together Italian craftsmanship and Saudi design and hospitality traditions. Construction of the carriages is taking place in Italy at CPL in Brindisi and Standgreen in Bergamo.
A revised launch timetable
October 2027 is the latest launch target after two earlier schedules. The train was initially due to enter service in 2025, then was targeted for late 2026.
The first carriage was delivered in September 2025. Earlier reporting by Argaam said additional carriages were expected in early 2026 for technical testing, ahead of commercial service in 2027.
Investment and Arsenale's wider rail business
Dream of the Desert is part of Saudi Arabia's effort to broaden its luxury tourism offerings and attract international visitors beyond its major cities. Total investment in the project is SAR 200 million. In January 2026, Italian financial institution SIMEST agreed to contribute 15 million euros under a public-private model.
Arsenale also operates Italy's La Dolce Vita Orient Express and is developing three other luxury rail projects: a UAE service with Etihad Rail, Egypt's Guardian of the Nile and Uzbekistan's Samarkand Express. The group acquired UK-based Golden Eagle Luxury Trains in September 2025.
