Series: The Art of Luxury
A new chapter in luxury travel is unfolding in Saudi Arabia, as Dream of the Desert train, developed in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), and Italy's Arsenale, has officially been unveiled. At the heart of this groundbreaking project is Lebanese-born architect Aline Asmar d'Amman, whose visionary approach merges the mystique of the Arabian desert with contemporary opulence.
On January 28, Asmar d'Amman revealed her design concept to WWD, offering the world a glimpse into the first five-star train in the Middle East. More than just a means of transport, Dream of the Desert is an immersive experience, reflecting Saudi Arabia's deep-rooted cultural heritage while embracing the ethos of sustainable and slow travel.
The Vision: A Journey Through the Sands of Time
Inspired by the poetic musing of 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, Aline Asmar d'Amman conceptualized the train's interiors as a sanctuary of serenity, blending the boundless silence of the desert with the grandeur of Bedouin heritage. "Saudi Arabia's natural beauty, its immensity and stillness, appeals to another kind of travel today", she noted, emphasizing the shift toward immersive, cultural experiences rather than mere destinations.
The train's restored Italian wagons, repurposed from Arsenale Group's fleet, represent a commitment to sustainability while preserving a sense of old-world elegance. These interiors incorporate traditional Saudi design elements, including intricate textile weavings, carved wooden panels, and oil lamps whose warm glow recalls the ambiance of a bygone era. Every detail - from the lamp shades' delicate belt detailing to the wood-carved motifs inspired by gypsum patterns from Saudi Arabia's central region - pays tribute to the country's rich artistic heritage.
Bridging Past and Present: An Architectural Masterpiece
The train's 14 luxury carriages house 34 exclusive suited, each designed to provide guests with an unparalleled level of comfort and elegance. The reception area, bar, and lounge feature textile weaving and geometric patterns, evoking the grandeur of historic Saudi palaces. The bar's design draws inspiration from the ancient architecture of AlUla's Hegra and the archaeological wonders of Madain Saleh, transforming the train's interiors into a living gallery of Saudi heritage.
Throughout the train, sculpted wooden panels in a signature green patina reflect the historic facades of Jeddah, creating a seamless dialogue between tradition and modernity. The suites, adorned with rich wood marquetry, bespoke furniture, and ambient lighting, offer an intimate escape into a world of refined elegance.
For Asmar d'Amman, the desert is not just a landscape but a spiritual and artistic inspiration. "It's a wonderful thing to immerse yourself in a world of dynamic stillness and mystique", she said. Her reverence for Saudi Arabia's untouched natural beauty and its timeless traditions has translated into a design philosophy that honors the past while embracing the future.
A New Era of Luxury Rail Travel
The Dream of the Desert train marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to revolutionize the Kingdom's tourism and cultural sectors. Departing from Riyadh, the train will traverse SAR's Northern Railway network, offering passengers breathtaking views of Saudi Arabia's most iconic heritage sites, including AlUla, Hail, and the historic region of Najd.
With this project, SAR and Arsenale are redefining the standard for luxury rail travel. The train will integrate curated cultural programs, developed in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Saudi Tourism Authority, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Saudi traditions through storytelling, art, and culinary experiences.
Statements from Industry Leaders
The unveiling of Dream of the Desert coincided with the visit of the Italian Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia, underscoring the project's global significance. SAR CEO Dr. Bashar bin Khalid AlMalik emphasized its strategic importance, starting:
"At SAR, we believe our role extends beyond operating a railway network - we are actively attracting global investments to introduce advanced transport solutions that support economic growth and regional connectivity. The Dream of the Desert train is a prime example of this commitment, merging comfort, sophistication, and sustainability to position Saudi Arabia among the world's leading rail travel destinations".
Arsenale Group CEO Paolo Barletta shared his enthusiasm:
"This project is more than just a luxury train; it is a fully immersive experience that blends refined design, world-class hospitality, and rich cultural traditions. Working with SAR, the Ministry of Culture, and the Saudi Tourism Authority has been an extraordinary collaboration, allowing us to bring this vision to life in a way that authentically reflects Saudi Arabia's beauty".
The Future of Saudi Luxury Travel
With operations expected to begin at the end of Q3 2026, Dream of the Desert is poised to set a new benchmark for exclusive travel experiences. Booking details and premium packages will soon be available on the train's official website, offering travelers the opportunity to be among the first to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Beyond the opulence the train is a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to cultural preservation and innovation. By integrating architectural excellence, sustainable practices, and immersive cultural experiences, the Dream of the Desert is more than just a train - it is a symbol of Saudi Arabia's new era of luxury and global connectivity.
As Aline Asmar d'Amman beautifully summarized:
"This project is about rediscovering the poetry of the desert and transforming it into a journey unlike any other. It is a tribute to Saudi Arabia's spirit - a land where heritage and modernity walk hand in hand".
With the unveiling of Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia steps into the future while carrying the soul of its past, offering the world a glimpse of its unparalleled beauty and ambition.
