UAE is taking another step forward in an endeavor to boost tourism- the rail cruises. Like the iconic Orient Express, Etihad Rail’s new high-end train cars aim to bring a new golden age of rail travel to the UAE. To put plans into action, Etihad Rail has partnered with Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale to roll out “a luxury train experience that pays homage to Emirati culture and heritage.” With a unique natural environment to revel in, the luxury train will travel throughout the UAE, passing through Mezeira’a, along the Liwa Desert and its famous oasis.
Arsenale has earlier worked on another luxury train, The Dream of the Desert project in Saudi Arabia. Shadi Malak, CEO of 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.” He added, “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.”
The luxury cruise service will be customized entirely, comprising 15 luxury carriages with Emirati influences and unparalleled Italian craftsmanship. Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale SpA, 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 traveling. This partnership demonstrates that there are no limits to passion and no barriers that can stop the desire to go beyond the imaginary.”
