Etihad Rail, the national railway operator, has joined forces with the renowned Italian hospitality specialist, Arsenale group, to unveil a new era of luxurious rail cruises in the United Arab Emirates. The introduction of these upscale train journeys will allow passengers to embark on a scenic tour from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi, reminiscent of the iconic Orient Express experience.
Furthermore, the trains will visit Dubai, providing travelers with an opportunity to explore the captivating landscapes of Oman and the enchanting Liwa desert along the way, according to Arabian Business. Arsenale said the carriages will reflect Emirati heritage, while retaining “Italian production, craftsmanship, quality of on-board services, interior design and know-how”.
A statement from Etihad Rail said: “Our collaboration with Arsenale is a testament to Etihad Rail’s commitment to drive economic and social growth in the UAE through the National Rail Network.”
“By establishing a luxury train experience, we are introducing a unique world-class offering to the region and contributing to boosting the tourism sector in the UAE. “
“Furthermore, we will be able to showcase the country’s diverse heritage and beauty to visitors from around the world.”
Arsenale said the UAE will be among the first countries in the world to have a luxury cruise service with a fully customised train. Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Etihad Rail on a unique project that promotes the discovery of a magical and exciting territory outside the renowned destinations of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.”
“The railway cruise is the present and the future of tourism, and Arsenale wants to make it available in the most beautiful places in the world, introducing this new fascinating and sustainable way of travelling. This partnership demonstrates that there are no limits to passion and no barriers that can stop the desire to go beyond the imaginary.”
Amidst the grandeur of the UAE’s esteemed Middle East Rail event, the unveiling of the luxury train initiative took center stage. As the largest transportation gathering in the region, the exhibition and conference attracted over 10,000 participants, including notable figures such as eight ministers from Europe, the UK, North Africa, and the GCC. The event witnessed the presence of 300 exhibitors, 600 VIPs, and representatives from 30 countries.
Etihad Rail capitalized on this platform by signing seven pivotal agreements, bolstering the advancement of both their freight and passenger services. These agreements mark a significant stride towards furthering the development and expansion of Etihad Rail’s comprehensive offerings.
The agreements signed include:
• The establishment of a joint venture company with DHL Global Forwarding
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arsenale, Italian luxury hospitality company
• An agreement with MICCO, an integrated logistics provider and part of AD Ports Group
• An MoU with ONCF, Morocco’s national railway operator
• An MoU with global technology company, Uber
• An MoU with drone cargo specialist, SkyGo
• An agreement with the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC), an independent government entity established to supervise and control mining facilities specialised in extracting natural resources in Fujairah
