Dream of the Desert has opened reservations for its luxury rail journeys across northern Saudi Arabia, offering travellers a new way to explore the Kingdom’s landscapes, heritage and local traditions. The first commercial departures are scheduled for October 2027, with journeys departing from Riyadh.
Announced at World Travel Market London, the launch gives international travellers and travel advisors the opportunity to book the inaugural season. The experience combines luxury rail travel with curated visits to historic sites, mountain landscapes and desert destinations.
For Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, the project also brings greater attention to northern regions that remain less familiar to many international visitors.
Dream of the Desert Connects Luxury Travel With Saudi Heritage
Dream of the Desert describes itself as the world’s first ultra-luxury desert train journey and Saudi Arabia’s first experience of its kind. Its itineraries are designed to showcase the Kingdom’s landscapes, cultural heritage and living traditions.
The train will initially feature 24 Suite Cabins, a Restaurant Carriage and a Majlis Carriage. The latter draws inspiration from the Saudi tradition of gathering and hospitality.
Meanwhile, guests can move between private suites, dining spaces and the Majlis. Personalised service and cuisine inspired by regional flavours will form part of the onboard experience.
Ageel Al-Shaibani, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said,
“Dream of the Desert is another important milestone in Saudi’s tourism journey, bringing together our rich heritage, extraordinary landscapes and world-class hospitality in an entirely new travel experience. Through the world’s first ultra-luxury desert journeys by train, we are bringing Saudi’s northern regions to broader global audiences and showcasing the diversity of its destinations and experiences. As Saudi continues to invest in world-class tourism destinations and expand its appeal on the international stage, we invite our global travel trade partners to be among the first to discover these opportunities and bring them to travellers around the world.”
Experience the beauty of Saudi Arabia through a journey designed around its landscapes and traditions
From striking landscapes to cultural encounters, every part of the journey offers something to discover
Discover the landscapes and heritage of the Kingdom through a distinctive rail journey
Every journey offers an opportunity to discover more of the Kingdom’s rich heritage
Dream of the Desert offers a fresh perspective on exploring the Kingdom
Inspired by Saudi traditions of hospitality, the Majlis Carriage will provide a dedicated space for guests to gather during their journey
The Desert Kingdoms journey will take guests through Al Jouf and Hail, exploring the region’s heritage and landscapes
Travellers will be able to enjoy the changing landscapes of northern Saudi Arabia from the comfort of Dream of the Desert
Dream of the Desert will offer luxury rail journeys through northern Saudi Arabia, with its first commercial departures scheduled for October 2027
With 24 Suite Cabins, a Restaurant Carriage and a Majlis Carriage, the train will offer guests an intimate travel experience
The train will combine private suite accommodation, fine dining and personalised hospitality as it travels through the Kingdom
Raffaele Breschi, CEO of Arsenale International and General Manager of Dream of the Desert, said,
“Opening reservations marks an important new stage for Dream of the Desert and for the close collaboration we continue to advance with the Saudi Tourism Authority and our partners in support of the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions. We are not simply creating a train journey; we are building a new way to experience Saudi Arabia, connecting rail, hospitality, culture and destination discovery into one carefully orchestrated experience. It reflects our long-term commitment to the Kingdom and to the regions we will explore, while contributing to the continued evolution of its tourism offering. We look forward to welcoming our first travellers in October 2027.”
Two Luxury Rail Journeys Explore Northern Saudi Arabia
The inaugural collection features two itineraries, The Desert Kingdoms and Shadows of Aja. Both combine rail travel with experiences beyond the train, including cultural encounters, private wilderness visits, destination dining and astronomy.
The four-day, three-night Desert Kingdoms journey explores Al Jouf and Hail. At Dumat Al-Jandal, guests can attend the Legends of Marid Gala Dinner and Signature Show.
The experience transforms the historic castle into a setting for storytelling, music, lighting and theatrical performance. It concludes with a candlelit dinner inspired by Al Jouf’s culinary traditions.
The journey also includes a private wilderness experience in the Aja Mountains. Against a backdrop of granite peaks, guests can encounter Arabian horses, local hosts, poetry, music and storytelling.
Meanwhile, Shadows of Aja is a three-day, two-night journey through Hail and Al Qassim. Its Aja Mountains Wilderness Escape takes guests by 4×4 into a private desert setting.
There, mountain exploration, Arabian horses, Saudi riders, art and music form part of the programme. As night falls, guests dine beneath the open sky before astronomers share stories about the stars and traditional navigation across Arabia.
The journey then continues to Al Qassim. Under the region’s date palms, guests meet farmers, artisans and storytellers.
The Oasis Table offers a farm-to-table experience featuring regional produce, Saudi coffee, dates and live cooking. Depending on the season, the itinerary may also include Al-Awshaziyah’s white salt landscapes.
Private Luxury Rail Experiences Across Saudi Arabia
Travellers will also be able to arrange private journeys tailored to different occasions. Options range from a one-day Signature Escape to The Desert Odyssey, a two-day, one-night experience in the Aja Mountains.
Guests can also reserve private departures of The Desert Kingdoms and Shadows of Aja. These can include dining, entertainment, cultural activities, wellness and destination experiences.
Dream of the Desert Prices and Booking Details
Reservations for the inaugural season are now open. Travellers and international travel advisors can select from the first available departure dates.
Prices start from SAR 86,250 per couple, per suite, for a two-night journey. This is approximately GBP 17,250 or USD 22,997, inclusive of VAT.
The starting price includes a private suite cabin, onboard and offboard dining, and all signature experiences.
For further details and reservations please visit
Further Reading
- Saudi Arabia Private Schools, New Rules Protect Students From Fee Disputes
- A World of Opportunities Beyond the Classroom at King’s College Riyadh in SEDRA