All Aboard: Dream of the Desert - Luxury on Rails in the Middle East

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Luxury train travel is stealing the spotlight, and the Middle East is hopping aboard this high-end trend in style. Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia's first five-star luxury train service, is expected to wow tourists in 2026. Whether you like slow travel or just want to admire the desert's splendor without exerting yourself, this is an experience of a lifetime.

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A Journey Through Time and Sand

Dream of the Desert will take passengers to Al Qurayyat, which is close to the Jordanian border, after traveling 1,300 kilometers through breathtaking desert scenery from the busy Saudi city, Riyadh. It will travel through picturesque and historic locations like as Al Qassim, Hail, and Al Jouf, which are situated on the outskirts of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Nature Reserve.

Enjoying the beauty of the route itself is more important than the final goal on this one- to two-day trip. Imagine pristine natural reserves, brilliant sunsets over dunes, and the peacefulness that only slow travel can provide.

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A Glimpse Inside the Luxury

The train has fourteen cars with thirty-four luxurious apartments. The interiors, created by Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d'Amman, combine Saudi tradition with contemporary luxury. Imagine bars with artisan tile work, gold-gilded ceilings, and soft velvet chairs that are ideal for relaxing while the world passes by.

Reception areas channel traditional Saudi majlis vibes, with intricately carved wooden decor and warm, sandy hues. The experience will be sprinkled with touches of Saudi culture, from art pieces celebrating the Kingdom’s heritage to menus curated by top local and international chefs.

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The Italian Arsenale Group, known for its work on Orient Express’ La Dolce Vita, is behind the magic of Dream of the Desert. Their résumé speaks for itself: the upcoming luxury train through Italy and a deal with Etihad Railway for a similar high-end experience in the UAE. With this pedigree, it’s clear Saudi Arabia’s train is in good hands.

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A Piece of a Bigger Vision

As part of its massive tourism push, Saudi Arabia has entered the luxury rail market. The Kingdom is making every effort to reach its goal of 150 million tourists by 2030. The nation is transforming itself into a world travel destination by restoring historic cities like AlUla and Diriyah and developing the Red Sea coastline.

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Why Dream of the Desert Should Be on Your 2026 Bucket List

Dream of the Desert offers something for everyone, regardless of your interests—adventure seekers, luxury aficionados, or those seeking stunning scenery. It is an invitation to see Saudi Arabia in a way that blends culture, comfort, and elegance; it is more than just a train ride.

So, start saving those vacation days now—your ticket to a desert dream awaits!

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