The 15-carriage “hotel on wheels” is expected to connect the mountains of Fujairah with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Liwa desert.
A new luxury train offering private suites, fine dining and journeys across the UAE could cost passengers as much as $5,000 per person per night when it launches in 2028. Italian hospitality company Arsenale Group is developing the 15-carriage train in partnership with Etihad Rail, with plans to create one of the Middle East’s most exclusive travel experiences.
The UAE train’s ticket prices have not yet been announced. However, Arsenale Chief Executive Paolo Barletta has said fares for the company’s comparable Dream of the Desert service in Saudi Arabia are expected to range from $3,000 to $5,000 per person per night.
That is equivalent to approximately AED11,000 to AED18,400, including accommodation, dining and onboard activities. The Saudi train is due to launch first, providing a potential indication of how Arsenale will position its UAE service. Barletta previously said the Etihad Rail luxury train could begin operating in 2028 “if all goes according to plan”.
The train is expected to cross the UAE from the mountains and coastline of Fujairah to the Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi, passing through major cities including Dubai. Earlier plans indicated that it could also travel towards the border with Oman and eventually join a wider GCC rail network. The 15 carriages are being developed in Italy, where Arsenale specialises in creating luxury railway experiences. The company is also behind Saudi Arabia’s Dream of the Desert and Italy’s La Dolce Vita Orient Express.
