Dubai's Dream of the Desert: Luxury Rail Pre-Bookings Now Open

Riyadh, 17 November 2025 – Arsenale S.p.A., Italy's leading luxury rail hospitality provider, has launched pre-bookings for Dream of the Desert, the inaugural ultra-luxury train crafted in Italy, which will grace Saudi Arabia by late 2026. This groundbreaking venture promises an elevated travel experience that harmonizes top-tier Italian craftsmanship with Saudi Arabia's rich cultural landscape.

Guests can now secure their spot exclusively at www.dreamofthedesert.com, ensuring priority access to this extraordinary journey. Pricing will vary according to the chosen itinerary, and includes exquisite meals, curated excursions, and immersive cultural activities. A fully refundable pre-reservation deposit guarantees early access to bookings and invites travel enthusiasts to the exclusive inaugural event upon the train's arrival in Saudi Arabia.

The announcement was made during the Tourise global luxury travel summit, where Arsenale signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). This collaborative effort aims to attract investment, enhance global promotion, and strategically distribute the project. Dream of the Desert is poised to become a landmark in Saudi experiential travel by intertwining sustainability with luxurious storytelling.

This significant venture marks Arsenale's debut into international territory, building on its success in Uzbekistan, Egypt, and the UAE, along with its recent acquisition of Golden Eagle luxury trains.

Exploring Saudi Heritage

Dream of the Desert will feature five unique itineraries, each designed to showcase the rich beauty, culture, and history of the Kingdom:

• The Northern Sands
  A three-day journey from Riyadh to Al Jouf, visiting Marid Castle and the rock engravings of Jubbah, culminating with a night under the stars.
• A Taste of AlUla
  An itinerary that marries modern and historical Arabia, traversing Al Jouf and Jubbah before leading to exclusive experiences in AlUla.
• Whispers of Jubbah
  A two-day adventure focusing on ancient rock carvings, with a special tour of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Ramadan Nights
  An exquisite Ramadan experience offering onboard iftar and suhoor alongside serene stargazing.
• Summer Mirage
  A two-day seasonal escape highlighting the summer splendor of the desert with themed entertainment and exquisite dining.

Celebrating Craftsmanship and Collaboration

“With Dream of the Desert, the first ultra-luxury Italian train in Saudi Arabia covering nearly 1,300 kilometers from Riyadh to the northern frontier, we underscore Italy's dedication to excellence in design and hospitality,” stated Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale. “Our partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority lays the foundation for a long-lasting collaboration based on cultural exchange and innovation.”

This project, developed with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and supported by the Ministry of Culture and STA, is designed to weave authentic Saudi narratives into every facet, positioning Dream of the Desert as a testament to Saudi-Italian collaboration and a key player in sustainable luxurious mobility aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

The train will feature 14 exquisitely designed carriages, hosting 31 Suite Cabins and 2 Royal Suites for up to 66 guests. Crafted in Italy at the Brindisi and Bergamo facilities, the interiors, imagined by acclaimed architect Aline Asmar d’Amman and her studio Culture in Architecture, blend Italian artisanal skill with the warmth of Saudi hospitality, promising a travel experience unparalleled in luxury.

Entirely built in Italy, Dream of the Desert represents the zenith of Italian engineering and luxury, offering a timeless, elegant rail adventure.