Arsenale Breaks New Ground In Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector By Launching First Italian Ultra-Luxury Train On Desert Routes In 2026

Published on November 12, 2025

Arsenale is set to make a groundbreaking move in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector by launching the first Italian ultra-luxury train, scheduled to begin its journey on the desert routes in 2026. This ambitious project promises to elevate Saudi Arabia’s luxury travel offering, combining the timeless elegance of Italian design with the unique beauty of the desert landscape. By introducing this world-class train service, Arsenale aims to attract high-end tourists, contributing significantly to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of diversifying its economy and enhancing its status as a global tourism hub.

Arsenale, one of Italy’s foremost innovators in the development of high-end rail hospitality experiences, has unveiled plans for its ambitious new project, Dream of the Desert. This ultra-luxury train, set to launch in Saudi Arabia in 2026, promises to offer an unprecedented journey through the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Dream of the Desert will be the first ultra-luxury Italian-made train to operate in the region, combining sophisticated Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge sustainable technology to provide a truly unique travel experience.

The announcement comes as part of a significant partnership between Arsenale and Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF), solidified by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at TOURISE 2025, an elite global event dedicated to luxury travel. Held in Riyadh, TOURISE 2025 brought together industry leaders to explore the future of tourism, with a particular focus on luxury and sustainable experiences. During the event, the two entities formalized their collaboration, creating a framework to support the development of Dream of the Desert, with an emphasis on financing and elevating the project’s global profile.

The agreement marks a critical step in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy to position itself as a leading global destination for experiential and sustainable tourism. As part of the nation’s Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its tourism offerings, reduce its reliance on oil revenues, and attract international visitors through innovative, eco-friendly, and culturally immersive experiences. The Dream of the Desert project fits squarely within these objectives, serving as both a symbol of luxury and a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering unique travel experiences that showcase the Kingdom’s natural beauty and cultural significance.

Dream of the Desert will feature 33 exclusive cabins, each designed to provide the highest standards of comfort, elegance, and Italian craftsmanship. Accommodating a maximum of 66 passengers, the train offers a highly personalized, intimate travel experience. The cabins will be outfitted with state-of-the-art amenities, blending modern technology with the timeless luxury for which Italian design is renowned. Sustainability will be at the core of the train’s development, with eco-friendly innovations incorporated throughout to minimize its environmental impact. Every aspect of the train, from its luxury interiors to its energy-efficient engines, has been meticulously crafted to offer an unparalleled experience while maintaining a commitment to the environment.

The train will travel along an extraordinary 1,300-kilometer route, connecting Riyadh to the northern reaches of Saudi Arabia. This epic journey will allow passengers to experience the Kingdom in a way that few have ever seen before. As the train winds its way through the desert landscape, travelers will be treated to sweeping views of vast sand dunes, dramatic mountain ranges, and lush oases, offering a visual feast that highlights the diverse and striking natural beauty of the region. But Dream of the Desert is not just about the stunning vistas—it is also about discovery and exploration. The route has been carefully planned to unveil Saudi Arabia’s hidden cultural treasures, providing passengers with exclusive access to ancient ruins, archaeological sites, and vibrant local communities that remain largely unknown to most travelers.

Saudi Arabia is home to a wealth of untapped historical and cultural assets, many of which are only now beginning to be showcased to the world. Through the Dream of the Desert experience, Arsenale and the Tourism Development Fund hope to shine a light on these treasures, offering travelers a chance to explore the Kingdom’s history in a way that is both comfortable and immersive. With stops at key historical sites and towns along the way, passengers will have the opportunity to delve into Saudi Arabia’s deep cultural roots, from ancient Nabatean ruins to vibrant Bedouin traditions.

In addition to its luxury accommodations and immersive cultural experiences, Dream of the Desert will also offer a selection of fine dining and entertainment options designed to elevate the travel experience. The train’s dining cars will serve a range of world-class cuisine, blending traditional Arabian flavors with international influences to create a truly unique culinary experience. The onboard amenities will include lavish lounges, wellness facilities, and observation decks, providing guests with ample opportunities to relax, socialize, and enjoy the ever-changing desert landscape as they travel.

The Dream of the Desert project represents more than just a new mode of transport—it is a statement of the future of tourism in Saudi Arabia. As the country continues to position itself as a global hub for luxury and sustainable tourism, Dream of the Desert will serve as a flagship project, attracting visitors from around the world who seek unparalleled luxury, cultural immersion, and eco-conscious travel. The train is set to be a vital component of Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism strategy, which includes plans to diversify the country’s offerings and draw attention to its diverse landscapes, historical sites, and cultural heritage.

The partnership between Arsenale and the Tourism Development Fund sets the stage for a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. The collaboration is expected to not only elevate the profile of the Dream of the Desert train but also contribute to the overall development of the country’s tourism infrastructure. With its luxury offerings, commitment to sustainability, and focus on cultural exploration, Dream of the Desert is poised to become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a leader in the global tourism market.

Arsenale is set to revolutionize Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector with the launch of the first Italian ultra-luxury train on desert routes in 2026, offering a unique blend of Italian craftsmanship and desert landscapes to attract high-end tourists. This move supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to boost its global tourism profile.

Dream of the Desert is set to revolutionize luxury rail travel in Saudi Arabia, offering an unparalleled journey that combines comfort, elegance, and discovery. With its exceptional design, cutting-edge technology, and immersive cultural experiences, the train promises to provide travelers with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia’s hidden treasures in a way that has never been possible before. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its tourism offerings in line with Vision 2030, Dream of the Desert will undoubtedly play a key role in showcasing the Kingdom’s potential as a premier destination for luxury and sustainable travel.