Etihad Rail signs agreement with Arsenale to bring one of the world’s first luxury train cruise services to the UAE
The UAE’s much-awaited passenger railway train service not only promises fast and convenient travel – just 50 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai! – but a luxurious journey within the country and beyond.
A new agreement signed in Abu Dhabi by Etihad Rail, the UAE National Rail Network developer and operator, and Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale will bring to the country one of the world’s first luxury cruise services onboard a fully customised train.
Following the launch of the UAE National Railway Network earlier this year, Etihad Rail has now revealed plans to offer “a luxury train experience that pays homage to Emirati culture and heritage.”
Etihad Rail has not announced when the passenger service will start, but the train will initially have 15 luxury carriages built in Arsenale’s facilities in Puglia and Sicily. Arsenale is the same company contracted for The Dream of the Desert luxury train service project in Saudi Arabia.
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“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,” said Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail.
“Furthermore, we will be able to showcase the country’s diverse heritage and beauty to visitors from around the world.”
The network will connect the major cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the border with Oman in Fujairah in the east, down to the historic Liwa desert. It will extend to other GCC countries with the completion of the GCC Railway.
The agreement was signed during the Middle East Rail Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi. Etihad Rail also signed six other agreements during the event, including a 20-year partnership with DHL Global Forwarding.
Etihad Rail has already started freight operations on the rail network, connecting four major ports and seven logistics centres across the country.
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Image source Etihad Rail
