The Saudi Arabian government activated its luxury Orient Train, also known as the Dream of the Desert, to handle a sudden travel crisis. As of March 14, 2026, the train transported more than 600 Gulf Cooperation Council citizens safely. This action was required because regional airspace closures and flight suspensions left many travelers stranded. The train was put into service as an exceptional emergency measure ahead of its scheduled late-2026 commercial launch.
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Who can travel and what are the ticket prices?
Priority for this emergency rail service is given to GCC citizens and residents with valid visas who are affected by the flight blockades. Passengers must register through official government portals or at the Riyadh North Train Station to get a seat. The ticket cost is completely free, meaning passengers do not pay any money. This relief effort is sponsored by the state to ensure people do not have to take dangerous 10-hour road trips across the desert.
What is the route and who is managing the operation?
The train runs from Riyadh towards the northern border regions, covering a distance of over 1,000 kilometers. It travels to areas like Al Qurayyat near the Jordanian border to help people transit safely to neighboring countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. Saudi Arabia Railways manages the operation along with the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics. Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser stated that the government is using all available logistics assets to guarantee the safety of travelers during the regional instability.