Saudi Arabia is setting the stage for a new era in Middle Eastern tourism with the launch of Dream of the Desert, the region’s first five-star luxury train. Scheduled to begin service in late 2026, this opulent rail experience promises a slow, immersive journey across the kingdom’s dramatic and often overlooked landscapes — from rolling dunes and basalt mountains to ancient villages and thriving farmlands. Spanning approximately 1,300 kilometers between Riyadh and Al Qurayyat, the train is more than a mode of transport; it’s a cultural and visual expedition into the soul of Saudi Arabia.
With design led by Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, the interiors will evoke the aesthetics of desert opulence — think majlis-style lounges, velvet banquettes, intricate tiles, and curated regional art. Comprising just 34 luxury suites across 14 coaches, the train aims to offer personalised, high-end comfort. While the final itineraries are still under wraps, five destinations along the route are already emerging as highlights — each offering a unique glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s heritage, nature, and identity.
Riyadh: Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Why Visit: The capital city, Riyadh, marks the starting point of this desert odyssey. Often seen as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s futuristic ambitions, it also holds deep-rooted cultural and historical treasures. One must-see site is the Masmak Fortress, a mudbrick stronghold from the 19th century that played a vital role in the country’s unification. Nearby, the National Museum offers a compelling narrative of Saudi history, from prehistoric times to the oil boom era.
Cultural Highlight: The UNESCO-listed At-Turaif District in Al Diriyah — once the seat of the first Saudi state — combines history, architecture, and heritage dining in one revitalised zone.
Shopping & Leisure: From traditional souks to ultra-modern malls like Kingdom Centre and Riyadh Park, the city offers a diverse retail experience. For a touch of nature, Wadi Namar provides a green escape with its lakes and scenic walking trails.
Visa Requirement: Indian tourists can apply for a Saudi e-visa, which is usually processed within 24-72 hours. The e-visa allows multiple entries and is valid for a year.
Al Qassim: Oasis of Dates and Desert Farming
Why Visit: Home to over 8 million date palms, Al Qassim is Saudi Arabia’s agricultural heartland. The city of Buraidah hosts one of the largest date markets in the world — a sensory delight where visitors can sample dozens of local varieties like Sukari and Khudri.
Cultural Highlight: Beyond dates, the region is known for its traditional mudbrick farmhouses, water canals, and warm, community-driven culture. It’s a living example of how desert agriculture has thrived for centuries against all odds.
Experiences: Walk through shaded palm groves, visit local farms, and learn about age-old irrigation techniques that sustain this green pocket of the Arabian Peninsula.
Visa Requirement: Same as above — a multiple-entry e-visa is valid for visits to Al Qassim.
Hail: Of Ancient Rock Art and Desert Adventures
Why Visit: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hail is famous for its Neolithic petroglyphs in Jubbah and Shuwaymis — carvings over 10,000 years old that depict animals, human figures, and hunting scenes. These ancient artworks provide a rare glimpse into early human life on the Arabian Peninsula.
Cultural Highlight: The city’s traditional souk offers a chance to experience authentic northern Saudi culture through local crafts and cuisine.
Adventure Activities: Hail is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can go dune bashing, trek over basaltic hills, or camp beneath an untouched starry sky.
Visa Requirement: Accessible through the national e-visa system; no separate permit needed for Hail’s historical zones.
Al Jouf: Blossoms Amid Basalt
Why Visit: Located near the Jordanian border, Al Jouf surprises many with its agricultural success. The region is dotted with lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards, all thriving thanks to its volcanic soil and underground aquifers.
Cultural Highlight: Visitors may enjoy olive oil tastings, farm stays, and springtime walks through fields that burst into bloom — an unusual sight in a desert landscape.
Scenic Route: As the train passes through Al Jouf, passengers are treated to stunning views of green belts, ancient agricultural terraces, and rugged plateaus.
Visa Requirement: Al Jouf falls within the standard Saudi e-visa travel zone for tourists, including Indian citizens.
Al Qurayyat: Gateway to the North
Why Visit: Marking the end of the line, Al Qurayyat is a quiet border town that once played a pivotal role in ancient trade. It’s less about landmarks and more about the experience — a place where the desert meets the horizon, and history fades into myth.
Cultural Highlight: The town offers a serene, introspective close to the journey. It’s an ideal setting to reflect on the diversity of landscapes, stories, and identities encountered along the route.
Nearby Attractions: Due to its proximity to Jordan, travellers may be able to extend their journey to include cross-border excursions, depending on future rail and visa agreements.
Visa Requirement: As part of Saudi territory, Al Qurayyat is included under the e-visa regime. Border travel to Jordan would require separate documentation and permits.
Summing Up
Dream of the Desert is not just a luxury rail experience; it’s an unfolding story of a nation rediscovering and redefining its heritage. With carefully curated stops that blend nature, history, and hospitality, the journey reflects the broader vision of Saudi Arabia’s tourism renaissance under Vision 2030. Whether you’re tasting dates in Al Qassim, walking among ancient carvings in Hail, or watching olive groves pass by in Al Jouf, this luxury train ride offers a profound connection to a land both ancient and awakening. For travellers ready to trade fast travel for deep exploration, the desert dream will soon arrive — on gilded rails, in 2026.
