Saudi Arabia is set to redefine luxury travel in the Middle East with the launch of ‘Dream of the Desert’, the region’s first five-star luxury train, scheduled to roll out in late 2026. Designed to offer a slow, immersive travel experience, the train will connect Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, spanning a 1,300-kilometre route across dramatic dunes, historic trade routes, lush farmlands, and ancient heritage sites.
Conceived as more than just a mode of transport, Dream of the Desert is a moving cultural experience. With just 34 suites across 14 carriages, the interiors — envisioned by renowned Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d’Amman — are inspired by Saudi craftsmanship and desert aesthetics, featuring gold-accented ceilings, majlis-style lounges, tile-detailed bars, and curated regional art.
The train aims to blend tradition and innovation, inviting passengers to embrace scenic discovery over speed. While detailed itineraries are being finalised, five key scenic stops have already emerged as major highlights:
1. Riyadh
The journey begins in Riyadh, where heritage meets modernity. From the Masmak Fortress and National Museum to the lively souks of Al Diriyah and upscale shopping hubs like Kingdom Centre, the capital offers a deep dive into Saudi’s historic and contemporary identity.
2. Al Qassim
Known as the ‘date capital’ of Saudi Arabia, Al Qassim is home to over eight million palm trees. Travellers can explore the vibrant Buraidah Dates Market, taste local varieties like Sukari and Khudri, and witness the sustainable harmony between farming and tradition through the province’s mudbrick farms and water canals.
3. Hail
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hail showcases rock carvings over 10,000 years old in Jubbah and Shuwaymis. Beyond archaeology, its dramatic dune landscapes, basalt hills, and bustling traditional markets offer visitors a rugged and authentic desert experience.
4. Al Jouf
Al Jouf surprises visitors with its seasonal lavender fields and thriving olive farms, nurtured by volcanic soil and a cooler climate. Travellers can enjoy farm tours, olive oil tastings, and scenic views of fertile plateaus, adding a softer, greener contrast to the desert palette.
5. Al Qurayyat
Located near the Jordanian border, Al Qurayyat marks the journey’s final stop. While modest in appearance, it holds significance as a historic trading outpost, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s cultural intersections and geopolitical edges — the perfect closing chapter to a journey defined by heritage and reflection.
From majestic forts to modern museums, desert dunes to blooming farmlands, the Dream of the Desert offers a luxury rail journey unlike any other in the region — inviting travellers to explore Saudi Arabia’s evolving identity in slow, scenic motion.
