Dream of the Desert has opened reservations for its ultra-luxury rail journeys across northern Saudi Arabia, with its first commercial departures scheduled for October 2027.

Announced at World Travel Market (WTM) London, the launch allows international travellers and travel advisors to book from the inaugural season’s available departure dates.

Described as the world’s first ultra-luxury desert train journeys and the first of their kind in the Kingdom, the project aims to introduce a new way of exploring Saudi Arabia, combining luxury rail travel with exclusive cultural, heritage and nature-based experiences.

Departing from Riyadh, the train will take guests through northern Saudi Arabia, offering access to regions known for their ancient settlements, mountain landscapes and expansive deserts. The journeys are designed to showcase the Kingdom’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and living traditions, while introducing international visitors to destinations that remain relatively unfamiliar to global travellers.

In its first phase, Dream of the Desert will feature 24 Suite Cabins, a dedicated Restaurant Carriage and a Majlis Carriage inspired by Saudi Arabia’s traditional culture of gathering and hospitality.

Guests will have access to personalised services, refined dining and experiences reflecting the Kingdom’s culinary traditions, with the onboard offering designed to complement the destinations along the route.

Ageel Al-Shaibani, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: "Dream of the Desert is another important milestone in Saudi's tourism journey, bringing together our rich heritage, extraordinary landscapes and world-class hospitality in an entirely new travel experience. Through the world’s first ultra-luxury desert journeys by train, we are bringing Saudi’s northern regions to broader global audiences and showcasing the diversity of its destinations and experiences. As Saudi continues to invest in world-class tourism destinations and expand its appeal on the international stage, we invite our global travel trade partners to be among the first to discover these opportunities and bring them to travellers around the world.”

Raffaele Breschi, CEO of Arsenale International and General Manager of Dream of the Desert, said the opening of reservations marked an important stage in the project's development and its collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority.

“Opening reservations marks an important new stage for Dream of the Desert and for the close collaboration we continue to advance with the Saudi Tourism Authority and our partners in support of the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions,” said Breschi.

“We are not simply creating a train journey; we are building a new way to experience Saudi Arabia, connecting rail, hospitality, culture and destination discovery into one carefully orchestrated experience. It reflects our long-term commitment to the Kingdom and to the regions we will explore, while contributing to the continued evolution of its tourism offering. We look forward to welcoming our first travellers in October 2027.”

The inaugural collection features two main itineraries, The Desert Kingdoms and Shadows of Aja, combining luxury rail accommodation with exclusive excursions, cultural encounters, destination dining and wilderness experiences.

The Desert Kingdoms is a four-day, three-night journey through Al Jouf and Hail, exploring the region’s heritage and landscapes. One of its highlights is the Legends of Marid Gala Dinner and Signature Show at Dumat Al-Jandal, where the historic Marid Castle will provide the setting for an immersive experience featuring storytelling, music, lighting and theatrical performances, followed by a candlelit dinner inspired by local culinary traditions.

The journey also includes a private Wilderness Escape in the Aja Mountains, where guests can experience the region’s dramatic granite landscapes alongside Arabian horses, local hosts, poetry, music and traditional storytelling.

The second itinerary, Shadows of Aja, is a three-day, two-night journey through Hail and Al Qassim. It features a private desert experience in the Aja Mountains, with four-wheel-drive exploration, encounters with Saudi riders, Arabian horses, art and music. Guests will also enjoy dinner beneath the night sky, followed by an astronomy experience highlighting the celestial knowledge and navigation traditions historically used by travellers across Arabia.

In Al Qassim, the itinerary includes The Oasis Table, a farm-to-table experience among date palms featuring regional produce, Saudi coffee, dates, live cooking and encounters with local farmers, artisans and storytellers. Depending on the season, the journey may also include the white salt landscapes of Al-Awshaziyah.

The collection is expected to expand with a dedicated journey to AlUla, with further details to be announced. The proposed experience will focus on exclusive access, cultural immersion and distinctive encounters.

In addition to the scheduled itineraries, Dream of the Desert will offer private journeys tailored to individual preferences and occasions. These include Signature Escape, a one-day private experience, and The Desert Odyssey, a two-day, one-night journey in the Aja Mountains. Private departures of both main itineraries will also be available, with dining, entertainment, wellness and cultural experiences customised for guests.

The launch forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to diversify its tourism offering and attract international visitors through distinctive luxury travel experiences. With reservations now open, the inaugural season provides travellers and international travel advisors with the opportunity to secure places ahead of the first departures in October 2027. -TradeArabia News Service