Crossing the desert is set to become much more stylish with the announcement that Saudi Arabia will be launching its own luxury answer to the Orient Express.

Set to move on the tracks for the first time in late 2025, the Dream of the Desert train will see travellers explore the Kingdom from the capital city of Riyadh to the northern city of Qurayyat on the Jordanian border.

Interiors are expected to draw inspiration from Saudi style and tradition with 40 luxury cabins, accommodating 82 passengers, making up the train. Reservations are scheduled to open by the end of the year for one or two-night trips available to book.

Arsenale Group will be charged with the construction of the train which is already underway after striking a SAR 200 million (Dhs196 million) deal with the state-owned Saudi Arabia Railways. The Italian company is currently collaborating with the Accor Group for the Orient Express – La Dolce Vita that will see 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, an ‘Honour Suite’, and a restaurant carriage travel across 14 regions and 131 cities of Europe by the end of 2024.

Dream of the Desert is the latest announcement from the Kingdom as it looks to diversify its economy over the next decade through the tourism and culture sector with Vision 2030. The programme has seen the country already launch giga-projects like Qiddiya City, The Rig, Expo 2030 Riyadh and submit an official bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

www.arsenalegroup.com 

Headline Image Credit: Arsenale S.P.A. | Saudi Arabia Railways

Image Credit: Shutterstock

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