Track record

The countdown to a new epoch of ultra-luxury travel has begun. Saudi Arabia is set to welcome Dream of the Desert, its first ultra-luxury train, with operations beginning in late 2026. Italy’s leading player in luxury hospitality and experiential travel, Arsenale S.p.A., has officially opened exclusive pre-reservations for this iconic new journey.

This groundbreaking project is a powerful statement of the Kingdom’s ambition in experiential tourism, cementing its strategic partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The agreement, signed during the recently concluded TOURISE Summit 2025 in Riyadh, ensures focused support for financing, promotion and global distribution of this world-class asset.

Investing in forever

The launch of Dream of the Desert is driven by a profound shift in consumer desire, moving from material possessions to intangible memories. Paolo Barletta, Chairman of the Board at Arsenale, explains the new luxury currency, in conversation with TTN Middle East.

“The future of luxury travel is the people who want something authentic, people who want to really enjoy, really discover,” Barletta says. “Time is probably the most important element of the luxury travel space and people who have the time, want to invest that in memories. Memories that will last forever, more than just the duration of the trip.”

Barletta believes travel is a crucial form of self-investment. “I think that when you travel, all your barriers are down and so you can learn, you can enjoy, you can dream. Travelling is probably the best investment for your longevity. If not for your body, the longevity of your memories, your thoughts, your soul.”

Unlock the Kingdom

The Dream of the Desert offers five distinct thematic itineraries that transform the 1,300-kilometre route from Riyadh into an immersive cultural journey. These include A Taste of AlUla, which explores Al Jouf’s historic fortresses and Jubbah’s ancient carvings before culminating in AlUla; The Northern Sands - a three-day itinerary from Riyadh to Al Jouf; Whispers of Jubbah, a focused two-day adventure dedicated to discovering the prehistoric rock carvings of Jubbah, combined with a visit to Diriyah; Ramadan Nights, an exclusive seasonal experience with iftar and suhoor, paired with tailored stargazing; and Summer Mirage, a concise two-day summer journey to and from Riyadh, featuring themed events and gourmet cuisine.

Luxury defined by design

The physical train itself is a masterpiece designed in Italy, embodying a harmonious fusion of high Italian craftsmanship and authentic Saudi heritage.

“Our trains are defined as modern art, because we are creating and relaunching the passion and the opportunity to travel by train, to discover the world by train,” Barletta says, confirming that the Dream of the Desert is composed entirely of custom-built carriages constructed in Italy.

Guests will reside in either one of 31 luxurious Suite Cabins or one of the two ultra-exclusive Royal Suites. The train is built for intimacy, hosting a total of 66 passengers. The interiors blend the sophisticated tradition of Italian design with the authenticity of Saudi hospitality, using exquisite materials and bespoke detailing.

“We cannot be more excited because Saudi Arabia is a beautiful country with so much to be seen - greenery, desert, mountains. This is the reason why we called it Dream of the Desert,” he adds.

Growth plans

Arsenale’s ambition extends far beyond Saudi Arabia. The company has a diverse portfolio, including the Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy and recently acquired Golden Eagles, an established 35-year-old brand in the travel space.

Apart from the Dream of the Desert - Saudi Arabia's first ultra-luxury train to traverse the Kingdom - Arsenale’s projects include The Samarkand Express, Central Asia's first luxury train in Uzbekistan; Guardian of the Nile, Egypt's first luxury train; and a luxury train in Abu Dhabi/UAE in partnership with Etihad Railway.

“We believe that train cruising is the real opportunity to visit the country 360 degrees,” Barletta says. "Our aspiration is to bring our trains everywhere - wherever there is an important track, wherever there is something to be seen... One of my biggest dreams is to connect Saudi Arabia and Bahrain with one of our trains.”