Revealed on
November 1, 2025
The UAE’s rail community is present process an enormous transformation, with the Etihad Rail passenger service set to start operations in 2026. This formidable growth will probably be adopted by a luxurious practice service in 2028, as introduced by the Italian firm Arsenale Group, which is designing the high-end carriages. The deliberate service goals to supply a unprecedented journey expertise throughout the UAE, connecting picturesque areas corresponding to Fujairah, Liwa Desert, and extra.
The imaginative and prescient for luxurious rail journey isn’t just about transport however a brand new technique to expertise the nation. Passengers can anticipate to embark on a journey by among the UAE’s most beautiful landscapes, all within the utmost consolation. Following the success of the Dream of the Desert luxurious practice in Saudi Arabia, the corporate is raring to duplicate that success within the UAE, hoping to supply a singular, world-class journey expertise.
The Etihad Rail challenge, already in its superior levels, guarantees to revolutionize the way in which individuals journey throughout the UAE. The preliminary section of the rail service will cowl 11 main areas throughout the nation, with the whole system ultimately linking all seven emirates. This service will present handy, eco-friendly, and environment friendly journey choices for each locals and vacationers.
By 2028, the luxurious practice service will add one other layer to the UAE’s increasing transport community, providing an unique technique to journey between main locations like Fujairah within the east and the Liwa Desert within the west. These locations characterize the nation’s various pure magnificence, from coastal views to expansive desert landscapes.
The luxurious trains being developed will comprise 15 high-end carriages, every designed to supply an distinctive journey expertise. Building of those carriages is at the moment underway in Italy, with remaining preparations deliberate for the launch round 2028. This luxury service goals to be a standout characteristic of the UAE’s rail community, with opulent interiors and an emphasis on consolation, luxurious, and personalised service.
Very like the Dream of the Desert challenge in Saudi Arabia, which options non-public suites, presidential lodging, and lavish eating areas, the UAE’s luxurious practice service will cater to discerning vacationers searching for a premium technique to discover the nation’s various areas.
The luxurious practice service is a component of a bigger push to reinforce rail connectivity throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Along with the UAE, neighboring nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain are all engaged on regional rail hyperlinks. By 2030, a 2,000 km community is anticipated to attach these nations, making it potential to journey throughout the Gulf by practice inside a couple of days.
The anticipated progress in regional rail journey may probably improve demand for luxurious journey, as practice journeys present a singular and immersive technique to see the beautiful landscapes of the Gulf. The power to cross borders by rail will supply a novel type of tourism, the place vacationers can go to a number of nations and expertise their cultures in a single seamless journey.
In contrast to conventional inns or cruises, luxurious trains supply a particular expertise by permitting passengers to discover the nation from the consolation of a completely geared up, cellular resort. These trains present unparalleled entry to distant areas, providing scenic views and making stops in locations which might be tough to achieve by different means.
Within the case of the UAE, vacationers on the luxurious trains will have the ability to uncover areas just like the Empty Quarter in Liwa, well-known for its huge sand dunes and dramatic desert landscapes. The rail service will present a cushty and lavish technique to witness these pure wonders, combining luxurious with exploration.
Plan Your Journey: As soon as the service is obtainable, you should definitely e book your tickets prematurely. Given the exclusivity of this service, seats could also be restricted, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons.Discover the Locations: Take time to discover the locations the practice will go to. From the coastlines of Fujairah to the huge deserts of Liwa, the UAE presents a variety of lovely and various landscapes.Benefit from the Luxurious Expertise: Take advantage of the luxurious facilities on board, which can embrace fantastic eating, non-public suites, and a completely immersive desert expertise.Be Prepared for Regional Journey: With the event of the broader GCC rail community, the UAE’s luxurious service could quickly be half of a bigger journey community connecting neighboring nations. Control future developments for cross-border journey.
The rising significance of rail within the UAE’s transport technique is evident. As Etihad Rail prepares to launch its first passenger service in 2026, the rail system will regularly turn out to be a necessary a part of the nation’s infrastructure, lowering site visitors congestion and providing an eco-friendly various to street transport.
The introduction of a luxurious practice service in 2028 will complement this shift, including a brand new layer of sophistication and luxurious to rail journey. Whether or not you’re a neighborhood resident or a global vacationer, this new type of journey will present an thrilling and distinctive technique to discover the UAE’s beautiful landscapes.
