Not exactly known for being subtle or restrained in their spending, Saudi Arabia is taking its opulent reputation to the rails. The new 'Dream of the Desert' train will use existing rail lines to make the journey from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, a 1300 kilometer trip through some of the most beautiful desert landscapes the country has to offer. But it wouldn't be a Saudi Arabian venture unless the whole thing was blinged out to the absolute max.
Calling this train luxurious may be the greatest understatement of the century. It features 14 carriages with 34 suites adorned in gold accents, intricate wood carvings, and only the most comfortable of velvet coverings. It's a level of style you expect to find in a chic apartment on Billionaire's Row in Manhattan, not on a train tearing through the desert. This is one case where the journey is definitely the focus over the destination.
There is also a strong cultural component to the 'Dream of the Desert' experience. When completed, paintings created by Saudi artists will be on the walls throughout the carriages. It will give guests a look into what will likely be the high end of the Saudi art scene. On top of that, Saudi chefs will be assembling menus that reflect the culinary history of the country as well as incorporate the modern sensibilities of the contemporary food culture.
The 'Dream of the Desert' won't began its first journey until late in 2026, assuming there are no delays. While there is no current information on what traveling on this train will cost, it's safe to assume that only the most rich and famous people in the world will likely be able to afford this experience. This is another step in Saudi Arabia's plan to be the world's top tourist destination by 2030.