Saudi Arabia Opens Bookings for Dream of the Desert Luxury Train, with Journeys Starting at SAR 86,250 per Couple

First journeys are scheduled for October 2027, departing from Riyadh through Al Jouf, Hail and Qassim, with 24 luxury suites and two itineraries featuring historic fortresses, desert adventures and authentic Saudi hospitality.

Dream of the Desert has officially opened reservations for its ultra-luxury tourist train journeys across northern Saudi Arabia, with prices starting at SAR 86,250 per couple and the first commercial departures scheduled for October 2027.

The announcement was made on November 4, 2026, during World Travel Market London (WTM London), allowing international travellers and travel agents to book the inaugural season. This marks a significant transition for the project from development and promotion to commercial sales.

The train is being developed through a partnership between Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale and Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). Its itineraries combine luxury accommodation on board with visits to historical landmarks and natural attractions across northern Saudi Arabia.

The train's first phase will feature 24 private suites, alongside a dining carriage serving dishes inspired by Saudi cuisine and a traditional majlis carriage reflecting the Kingdom's hospitality heritage.

All journeys will depart from Riyadh, taking guests through historic, desert and mountainous landscapes, with exclusive experiences organised at selected stops along the route.

Published prices start at SAR 86,250 per couple for a private suite on a two-night journey, including VAT, accommodation, meals both on and off the train, and the core experiences included in the itinerary.

Certain optional activities, insurance, gratuities and personal purchases are not included in the starting price.

The first itinerary, The Desert Kingdoms, offers a four-day, three-night journey departing from Riyadh through Al Jouf and Hail before returning to the capital.

The experience includes an exclusive evening at the historic Marid Castle in Dumat Al Jandal, featuring artistic performances, heritage storytelling and dining inspired by local cuisine.

The programme also includes exploration of the Aja Mountains in the Hail region, introducing guests to the history of northern Arabia, ancient caravan routes and the cultural traditions associated with the area.

The second itinerary, Shadows of Aja, is a three-day, two-night experience connecting Hail, the Aja Mountains and the Qassim region.

The programme features guided explorations of mountainous landscapes, equestrian experiences, traditional storytelling and music, alongside outdoor dining, stargazing and introductions to the astronomical traditions of desert communities.

In Qassim, guests can enjoy the Oasis Table experience among date palm farms, discovering local agricultural products, traditional food preparation, Saudi coffee and dates.

In addition to the two main itineraries, Dream of the Desert offers private journeys that can be tailored to groups and special occasions, ranging from single-day experiences to multi-day programmes.

Future expansion plans include a dedicated route to AlUla, although a confirmed launch date has not yet been announced.

Aqeel Al Shaibani, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasised that the project provides an opportunity to introduce northern Saudi Arabia to a wider international audience by combining natural and cultural heritage with premium hospitality experiences. Meanwhile, Raffaele Brischi, CEO of Arsenale International and General Manager of Dream of the Desert, explained that opening reservations represents a new phase in developing a tourism product that integrates luxury transportation, accommodation, cultural activities and destination exploration.

The significance of Dream of the Desert lies in offering an experience that extends beyond travelling by train, making the journey itself an integral part of the accommodation and tourism programme.

Opening reservations represents an important commercial milestone, as the journeys are now available for marketing and booking ahead of the targeted launch, with clearly defined itineraries and published prices.

For travellers, reviewing departure dates, cancellation conditions and included services before booking is essential, particularly as the project has not yet begun commercial operations.

For the tourism industry, the project's actual performance will become measurable once operations commence, through demand for the journeys and the extent to which destinations and local communities along the routes benefit from visitor spending.