Arsenale S.p.A., Italy’s premier developer of high-end rail hospitality, has officially opened pre-reservations for Dream of the Desert, the Kingdom’s first “Made in Italy” ultra-luxury train, set to launch by late 2026. The announcement was made at Tourise, the global luxury travel summit, where Arsenale signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to finance, promote, and distribute the project worldwide. ‘
The partnership positions Dream of the Desert as a flagship of sustainable, experiential tourism aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Guests can now secure priority access via www.dreamofthedesert.com with a fully redeemable or refundable pre-reservation fee. Nightly rates include all meals, curated onboard experiences, and exclusive off-train excursions. Early bookers will also receive invitations to the train’s inaugural celebration upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Five Immersive Itineraries Unveiled
Spanning 1,300 km from Riyadh to the northern frontiers, the train offers five themed journeys blending Saudi heritage with Italian design:
- The Northern Sands (3 days): Riyadh → Al Jouf – Visit Marid Castle, Jubbah’s prehistoric rock carvings, and a private desert camp under the stars.
- A Taste of AlUla (multi-day): Riyadh → AlUla – Exclusive access to AlUla’s heritage sites, curated in partnership with AlUla Destination.
- Whispers of Jubbah (2 days): Explore ancient petroglyphs and Diriyah, the cradle of the Kingdom.
- Ramadan Nights: A spiritual journey with iftar and suhoor served onboard, followed by desert stargazing.
- Summer Mirage (2 days): A summer escape from Riyadh with themed events and gourmet dining.
A Masterpiece on Rails
Comprising 14 carriages, Dream of the Desert will feature:
- 31 Suite Cabins + 2 Royal Suites
- Capacity: 66 passengers
- Built in Italy at Brindisi (CPL) and Bergamo (Standgreen)
- Interiors by Aline Asmar d’Amman (Culture in Architecture) – fusing Italian craftsmanship with Saudi authenticity
- Fully sustainable design with cutting-edge rail technology
“This is more than a train – it’s a cultural bridge between Italy and Saudi Arabia,” said Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale. “We’re bringing la dolce vita to the desert, with every detail reflecting excellence in design, hospitality, and sustainability.” The project is a joint venture with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), supported by the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Transport, and Transport General Authority (TGA). It marks Arsenale’s first international rail project, following successes in Uzbekistan, Egypt, and the UAE, and the recent acquisition of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains.
