Riyadh, 16 November 2025 – Arsenale S.p.A, Italy’s leading company in the development of high-end hospitality experiences by rail, announces the official opening of pre-reservations for Dream of the Desert, the first ultra-luxury train “Made in Italy” that will operate in Saudi Arabia starting at the end of 2026.
Pre-Reservations are now open exclusively on www.dreamofthedesert.com with nightly rates varying by itinerary and inclusive of all meals and curated experiences. Guests and partners are invited to secure their suite aboard this masterpiece of design and discovery with a fully redeemable or refundable pre-reservation fee. This exclusive pre-booking grants priority access to reservations and an invitation to the exclusive inaugural celebration, marking the arrival of Dream of the Desert in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The announcement was made during Tourise, the premier international event dedicated to luxury travel, where Arsenale signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to establish a strategic partnership focused on financing, promoting and globally distributing the project. Dream of the Desert is poised to become a new icon of Saudi experiential tourism, a benchmark of sustainable, cultural, and luxury travel.
Marking Arsenale’s first international project, this initiative follows the company’s successful ventures in Uzbekistan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as its acquisition of Golden Eagle.
The train will offer five themed itineraries, designed to reveal the Kingdom’s landscapes, heritage, and traditions through immersive onboard experiences and exceptional destination stops:
- The Northern Sands – A three-day journey from Riyadh to Al Jouf, exploring the ancient fortresses of Marid Castle, the rock carvings of Jubbah Rocks, and an immersive desert experience under the stars.
- A Taste of AlUla – From Riyadh to AlUla, blending modern Arabia with timeless heritage. Explore Al Jouf’s fortresses, Jubbah’s ancient carvings, and an exclusive desert camp beneath the stars. Culminating in AlUla, with bespoke experiences curated by Dream of the Desert in partnership with AlUla Destination.
- Whispers of Jubbah – A two-day adventure dedicated to discovering the prehistoric carvings of Jubbah and visiting Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom and symbol of its cultural heritage.
- Ramadan Nights – An exclusive experience during the holy month of Ramadan, where iftar and suhoor become refined moments of conviviality and spirituality, celebrated onboard in the heart of the desert, paired with a post-iftar stargazing experience.
- Summer Mirage – A two-day summer journey to and from Riyadh, designed to experience the desert’s allure during the summer season, featuring themed events, gourmet cuisine, and absolute comfort onboard.
“With Dream of the Desert, the first ultra-luxury “Made in Italy’’ train in Saudi Arabia, covering approximately 1,300 kilometers along ‘the unbeaten path’ from Riyadh to the north of the country, we reaffirm the tangible commitment of Italian enterprises in promoting a model of excellence grounded in craftsmanship, design, and elite hospitality,” said Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale. “The agreement signed with the Saudi Tourism Authority further strengthens this vision, laying the foundations for a long-term collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia based on innovation, culture, and territorial enhancement.”
The project marks a milestone partnership between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), and Arsenale, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Saudi Tourism Authority, and other national entities, integrating authentic Saudi heritage into every design detail. Dream of the Desert symbolizes the strength of Saudi-Italian collaboration and highlights SAR’s leading role in advancing sustainable and luxury rail experiences aligned with Vision 2030.
Composed of 14 carriages, Dream of the Desert will feature 31 Suite Cabins and 2 Royal Suites, accommodating a total of 66 passengers. The train is being constructed in Italy at the Brindisi (CPL) and Bergamo (Standgreen) facilities, while the interiors, designed by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman and her studio Culture in Architecture, blend the tradition of Italian design and craftsmanship with the authenticity of Saudi hospitality, transforming the journey into an unprecedented cultural and aesthetic experience.
Entirely built in Italy, Deam of the Desert embodies the finest blend of Italian craftsmanship, design, and cutting-edge rail technology, a contemporary and sustainable interpretation of timeless elegance
For details on itineraries, experiences, and departures, please visit www.dreamofthedesert.com.
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