The Middle East’s First Five-star Train to Make Maiden Voyage in 2026

MILAN — The Dream of the Desert train, a symbol of Saudi Arabia‘s growth story, is more than a mirage. It’s a reality now.

A mock-up of Saudi Arabia’s first luxury train was unveiled in Riyadh Monday before a global audience of political leaders, innovators and economists at the Future Investment Initiative conference. The four-day event, a summit that closes Thursday, is aimed at unlocking new frontiers of growth.

As reported by WWD in January, the Dream of the Desert train has been developed by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia Railways and Italian hospitality firm Arsenale and was designed by Lebanese architect and interior designer, Culture in Architecture founder Aline Asmar d’Amman.

In a joint statement, Arsenale, Saudi Arabia Railways and Asmar d’Amman said the train’s inaugural voyage will take place at the end of 2026. It will depart from Riyadh and travel along 807.8 miles of existing railway lines with thoughtfully chosen stops that showcase Saudi Arabia’s most captivating landscapes and destinations. One- and two-night itineraries have been curated to highlight Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty and cultural richness, which has, until now, been mostly out of reach for global tourists.

Asmar d’Amman is famous for her work on the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, also developed by Arsenale, which will open in April.

She also worked closely with Karl Lagerfeld. Before his death, she led the artistic direction of the renovation of Paris’ Hôtel de Crillon, elevating it to a modern, regal glory. With her studio Culture in Architecture, she was in charge of designing its suites and historical salons. She also worked as the architect to Lagerfeld on the hotel’s Les Grands Appartements, which were outfitted with crystal chandeliers, marble baths, Lit à la Polonaise canopy beds and 18th-century double doors that were originally designed for the Royal Opera House of Bordeaux.

In terms of interiors, a desert palette of earthy tones, sandy browns and oasis green imbue the Saudi Arabian landscape with upscale accents like Murano blown glass evoking the warmth of desert lanterns of yore. Wood carvings and intricate textile weavings also bring the region’s traditional artisan craft to the fore. The train houses 33 private suites with a capacity of up to 66 guests. It also contains traditional Middle-Eastern style “Majlis” lounge and fine dining restaurant car with Michelin-level menus curated by local and international chefs.

Founded in 2020 by Paolo Barletta and Annabel Holding, Arsenale is an Italian company operating in the luxury hospitality sector, with the aim of enhancing the Italian tourism industry. The company is structured around two main divisions: The Hospitality Hotel and Resort division, which designs and manages hotel properties in collaboration with iconic luxury brands, such as Soho House, as well as the Orient Express.

Initiatives like the Dream of the Desert are part of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plan, dubbed Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia is expected to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, creating demand for 362,000 new hotel rooms, according to Saudi Arabia’s statistics bureau. For Barletta, Arsenale’s chief executive officer, the train also opens up a whole new golden age of travel.

“It marks the beginning of a new global platform redefining ultra-luxury travel — one that celebrates heritage, creativity and a deep respect for local identity while carrying the world’s most discerning travelers through the heart of Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and traditions,” Barletta said.