The Middle East’s First Luxury Train Will Take You Across Saudi Arabia In Style

The “Dream of the Desert” train is set to depart in 2025.

The desert beckons, or at least, that’s the case as plans develop for the first-ever luxury train across Saudi Arabia, which will traverse parts unknown and UNESCO world heritage sites in striking fashion.

Dubbed the Dream of the Desert, plans for the stylish train are being set in motion by Italian luxury hospitality purveyors Arsenale Group, along with Saudi Arabia Railways, and an initial look shows both adventure and lavish accommodations.

Be it the revamped Orient Express or luxury train experiences with Veuve Clicquot, consumers and eager world travelers seemingly have more options than ever when it comes to premium travel in old-world glamour.

And on that note, Dream of the Desert promises to take just a select few riders to far-flung destinations on its 800-mile route.

Starting in Riyadh and winding its way to Al Qurayyat, the 40-cabin train has room for just 80 passengers, the ultimate in exclusivity amidst luxurious dwellings.

With a restaurant carriage, 12 deluxe cabins, an Honour Suite and 18 additional suite cabins, a select few are sure to experience the Saudi Arabian desert (and UNESCO world heritage sites like Hegra) in opulent style.

No expense will be spared in the production and the experience itself, Arsenale Group noted, with its fleet “designed to discover and appreciate the treasures of the most prestigious destinations” worldwide.

Routes will stretch across one or two nights, complete with luxury-trained, experienced staff, a concierge for customized requests and fine dining offered in conjunction with world-class chefs, Arsenale Group said.

The company bills the experience as a “new frontier of travelling, dedicated to discovering enchanting landscapes and a centuries old culture,” and if current plans are any indication, the journey and its destinations should prove intensely memorable.