Etihad Rail, the national railway operator of the UAE, is teaming up with the renowned Arsenale group, a luxury Italian hospitality specialist, to unveil a new era of luxury rail cruises across the country. These high-end train travel experiences will transport passengers on a captivating journey from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi, reminiscent of the iconic Orient Express, aboard 15 exquisitely designed carriages.
In addition to the Fujairah-Abu Dhabi route, these opulent trains will also traverse Dubai and offer the opportunity to explore the enchanting sights of Oman and the mesmerizing Liwa desert. The carriages will reflect Emirati heritage while embodying the Italian production, craftsmanship, quality of on-board services, interior design, and know-how that Arsenale is renowned for.
Etihad Rail expressed its commitment to driving economic and social growth in the UAE through the National Rail Network, emphasizing that the introduction of this luxury train experience will offer a unique world-class offering to the region and contribute to boosting the country's tourism sector. This venture will showcase the UAE's diverse heritage and natural beauty to visitors from around the world.
According to Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, the partnership with Etihad Rail opens up the opportunity to discover the UAE's magical and exciting territories beyond the well-known destinations of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The railway cruise represents the present and future of tourism, and Arsenale aims to make it available in the most beautiful places worldwide, introducing this new captivating and sustainable way of traveling.
This exciting announcement was made during the UAE's Middle East Rail, the largest transport event in the region. The event witnessed the signing of seven agreements by Etihad Rail, including partnerships with DHL Global Forwarding, MICCO, ONCF (Morocco's national railway operator), Uber, SkyGo (a drone cargo specialist), and Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC).
The UAE is set to become one of the first countries in the world to offer a fully customized luxury cruise service by train. This remarkable development highlights the country's commitment to innovation and delivering unforgettable experiences, elevating the tourism landscape to new heights.
In a similar vein, Saudi Arabia is also gearing up to introduce luxury train tours within the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Arsenale Group to launch the Middle East region's first luxury train, the "Dream of the Desert." Set to debut in 2025, this extraordinary train journey will transport discerning travelers in unparalleled style from Riyadh to Qurayyat, further enhancing the region's luxury tourism offerings.
