A new railway project is about to join the international railway network: the Desert Dreamthe first service of luxury train in this area. Its launch, planned for 2026, is part of the country’s strategy to diversify its tourism offering and improve connectivity between historical and natural enclaves. It will connect the coast of Red Sea with the desert interior and will pass through heritage areas such as Al-Ulamaking it one of the most important projects in the Middle East railway sector.
A train designed to strengthen rail tourism in Saudi Arabia
He Desert Dream will be the first luxury train which will work in Saudi Arabiawith an itinerary that will allow you to visit several of the most representative cultural enclaves of the country. The route will join the coast of Red Sea with the desert environment of Al-Ulawhere Hegra (Madain Saleh) is located, the first Saudi site declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
This initiative is part of the State’s plan to develop internal mobility and promote more diversified tourism. In addition to the railway infrastructure, the project includes the construction of stations, visitor reception areas and service areas linked to the route. The institutional desire is to integrate this train into a transport model combining connectivity, heritage promotion and regional economic development.
At the same time, the Italian company Arsenale Group is involved in the interior design of the cars, where materials such as wood, metal and textiles in earth tones predominate, a palette that references the desert landscape. Although the project has an Art Deco-inspired aesthetic, its main focus remains on functional parameters, such as space efficiency and comfort during long journeys.
An itinerary that unites natural landscapes and archaeological sites
He Desert Dream will allow you to observe some of the most characteristic landscapes of the country: the coast of Red Seathe mountainous areas of the interior and the rock formations of the desert Al-Ula. According to Saudi Arabia Railways’ forecasts, the service will include scheduled stops so travelers can visit archaeological sites and protected areas.
Hegra, one of the key points of the route, stands out for the conservation of more than a hundred monumental tombs from the Nabataean civilization. The train will facilitate access to this enclave, as well as to other cultural spaces linked to the historical development of the region. The selection of stops meets a mixed criterion: heritage value, current accessibility and capacity to accommodate a moderate increase in attendance.
On a technical level, the rail project also involves adapting sections of track to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as high temperatures and sandstorms. This adaptation will be necessary to guarantee the operation of the service throughout the year.
Commissioning planned for 2026
Saudi Arabia Railways estimates that the train will enter service in late 2026, once construction, safety testing and certification phases are completed. The service will initially operate with a limited number of routes in order to assess real demand and gradually adjust its offer.
Although he Desert Dream has been presented internationally as one of the most remarkable railway projects on the tourism scene, the company emphasizes its cultural and territorial dimension: the intention is to bring visitors closer to the natural and historical heritage of the country through a transport model that favors observation of the landscape and sustainable mobility.
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