Etihad Rail in ‘railway cruise’ deal to boost luxury tourism
▶ Agreement with Italian high-end hospitality company Arsenale will provide ‘unique, world-class offering’ on service from Fujairah to Liwa
A luxury train service is set to bring a golden age of rail travel to the UAE, railway officials have said.
National railway operator Etihad Rail and Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale signed an agreement at the Middle East Rail conference in Abu Dhabi this week.
A launch date was not revealed, but the service – which has been called a “railway cruise” – is expected to cross the UAE from Fujairah in the east down to the historic Liwa desert in the south of Abu Dhabi, near the border with Saudi Arabia.
The train will consist of 15 luxury carriages and work is being carried out in Puglia, southern Italy, and the island of Sicily, Arsenale said.
More details are expected in the coming months but Arsenale said the carriages will reflect Emirati heritage, while the “production, craftsmanship, quality of on-board services, interior design and know-how will be Italian, and the ‘made in Italy’ signature branding will be the basis on which the entire project will be developed”.
It comes as developments on the UAE-wide railway network move full steam ahead.
It formally opened in February, with a freight service now operating. Progress towards a passenger service is also advancing rapidly.
“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,” said Shadi Malak, chief executive of Etihad Rail, on Wednesday.
“By establishing a luxury train experience, we are introducing a unique world-class offering to the region and contributing to boosting tourism in the UAE.
“Furthermore, we will be able to showcase the country’s diverse heritage and beauty to visitors from around the world.”
This is Arsenale’s second international luxury train project – following the announcement of The Dream of the Desert project in Saudi Arabia.
The company is also planning to operate a luxury train service called La Dolce Vita in Italy.
“We are thrilled to work together with Etihad Rail on this ground-breaking project that will promote the discovery of a magical and exciting territory outside of the renowned destinations of Abu Dhabi and Dubai,” said Paolo Barletta, chief executive of Arsenale.
“Railway cruising is the future of tourism and Arsenale wants to make this available in the world’s most beautiful places, introducing this fascinating and sustainable new way of travelling.
“We are delighted to announce the UAE will be one of the first countries in the world to launch this unique service with us.
“We are ready to work tirelessly to enable travellers to soon come on board our train, discovering the enchanting natural wonders of the UAE.”
Etihad Rail signed seven deals at the conference – including an agreement with Uber and drone cargo firm SkyGo.
Mr Malak said the agreement with Uber would support “our ability to provide accessible transportation across the UAE, including in areas with limited accessibility”.
No further details of the Uber agreement were disclosed.
The SkyGo agreement involves collaboration on freight train drone inspection and data services, said Mr Malak.
Etihad Rail also signed a 20year joint venture with DHL Global Forwarding. DHL will use Etihad Rail’s network for its main UAE operations.
We will be able to showcase the country’s diverse heritage and beauty to visitors from around the world
SHADI MALAK
Chief executive, Etihad Rail