Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian company Arsenale have announced the unveiling of one of the luxury ‘Dream of the Desert’ train carriages for the first time during the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9) Conference in Riyadh, taking place from October 27 to 30. The event will bring together global leaders, major investors, and decision-makers, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the distinctive concept set to redefine luxury rail travel in the region.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ‘Dream of the Desert’ is the Middle East’s first five-star luxury train, representing the culmination of a partnership between SAR and Arsenale, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and its affiliates, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Center for Development Authorities Support. The design of the train integrates Saudi cultural and heritage elements, reflecting national identity through a blend of luxury, innovation, and authenticity.
During his visit to the exhibition site, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and SAR Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser said that unveiling the first ‘Dream of the Desert’ carriage during FII9 highlights the significant advancements in the railway transport sector and the development of world-class travel experiences.
He noted that the ‘Dream of the Desert’ train is one of the key outcomes of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to introduce modern mobility options and tourism-oriented transport alternatives to enhance quality of life. He added that the project reflects growing foreign investment in the Kingdom’s transport and logistics ecosystem, involving leading global companies and investors.
Al-Jasser praised the generous support extended by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to transport and logistics projects, emphasizing the sector’s developmental role in driving economic growth, achieving sustainability, and enabling national strategies in tourism, industry, mining, and trade across the Kingdom’s modern rail networks, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The ‘Dream of the Desert’ is scheduled to begin its first journeys by the end of 2026, covering more than 1,300 kilometers from Riyadh through the Northern Railway network and passing through some of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent natural and tourist destinations. The journeys will last one or two nights, allowing guests to enjoy a blend of exploration, culture, luxury, and authentic Saudi hospitality.
Combining opulence with discovery, the ‘Dream of the Desert’ experience will offer curated excursions, diverse cultural activities, and personalized services, allowing travelers to enjoy an unforgettable journey that showcases the Kingdom’s natural beauty and cultural depth, celebrating the harmony between people, heritage, and the land in a modern, world-class setting.