Dream of the Desert arrives, the first Italian luxury train in Saudi Arabia

Made in Italy also travels on rail. The Italian Arsenal Society, specialized in luxury hospitality, and the Saudi Arabia railways (SAR) have officially presented the Dream of the Desert design, the first five -star Italian train in Saudi Arabia. The project was born from the collaboration between Sar, Arsenale, the Ministry of Saudi culture (Moc), the Saudi authority for tourism and other bodies of the Arab country, and is part of the agreement signed last year between Sar and Arsenale. Dream of the Desert will begin operations by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

“The national strategy for transport and logistics aims to develop an integrated transport network that strengthens the position of Saudi Arabia as a global logistic hub”. To say it is the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, as well as President of Sar, Saleh Bin Nasser al-Jasser, which highlights that “the Dream of the Desert train is a testimony of our commitment to this vision, offering innovative solutions that raise Both the transport sector and the tourist sector “. The CEO of Sar Bashar bin Khalid Almalik echoes him, who underlines that the role of the Saudi railways goes beyond “the management of a railway network: we are actively aiming to attract global investments to develop advanced transport solutions that support economic growth e regional connectivity. The Dream of the Desert train is an example of this dedication, demonstrating how collaboration between public and private bodies can create revolutionary experiences in the transport of luxury “.

Consisting of 14 carriages and 34 luxury suite, the train was designed by the architect Aline Asmar d’Amen, who was able to integrate the innovation of Italian design with the authenticity of the Saudi cultural heritage, redefining the concept of railway travel of luxury.

By mixing contemporary elegance and Saudi tradition perfectly, the interiors reflect the charm of the Arabic desert, with sandy shades, carved textures and precious materials that celebrate local craftsmanship. The spaces evoke ancient stories reinterpreted in a modern key, underlining the excellence of design and the skill of high craftsmanship.

The experience on board includes the rooms of the lounge bar and the restaurant that are inspired by the traditional Majlis environments, with elegant hand carved wood details and geometric motifs that embody the heat and the Saudi hospitality. The menu, the result of the collaboration with internationally renowned chefs, offers an exclusive gastronomic proposal that combines tradition and innovation. In addition, works of art and photographs on board celebrate the natural and historical heritage of Saudi Arabia, making the journey a unique cultural immersion.

“When we conceived Dream of the Desert for the first time,” explains Paolo Barletta, CEO of the Arsenal Group, “our goal was to create an unparalleled travel experience, which led guests in an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the ‘Saudi Arabia. This project is more than a simple luxury train; It is an immersive experience that blends refined design and cultural traditions “.

In line with the Saudi vision 2030, the initiative aims to develop high -end tourism and to promote, through the excellence of Italian design, local culture. In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the train will also offer cultural programs, allowing passengers to deepen the Saudi traditions.

“The national strategy for transport and logistics aims to develop an integrated transport network that strengthens the position of Saudi Arabia as a global logistic hub”. To say it is the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, as well as President of Sar, Saleh Bin Nasser al-Jasser, which highlights that “the Dream of the Desert train is a testimony of our commitment to this vision, offering innovative solutions that raise Both the transport sector and the tourist sector “. The CEO of Sar Bashar bin Khalid Almalik echoes him, who underlines that the role of the Saudi railways goes beyond “the management of a railway network: we are actively aiming to attract global investments to develop advanced transport solutions that support economic growth e regional connectivity. The Dream of the Desert train is an example of this dedication, demonstrating how collaboration between public and private bodies can create revolutionary experiences in the transport of luxury “.