The railway operator and Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale have signed a deal to bring ‘rail cruising’ to the Emirates

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has signed a joint venture with DB Schenker Rail, a subsidiary of German-based Deutsche Bahn, to operate and maintain the railway. DB is Europe’s largest railway company, operating passenger and freight services on the approximately 33,500-kilometre German rail network, and maintaining a strong presence in rail operations in various countries across Europe.

Etihad Rail – the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network – has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Emirates General Transport and Services Corporation. The deal offers Etihad Rail the benefit of ET’s integrated vehicle and maintenance services, in addition to security services along Etihad Rail sites.

Etihad Rail has announced it has secured financing of US$1.28 billion for Stage One of its railway project, which comprises the route from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais. Commenting on the completion of financing for the first stage of the project, H.E. Nasser Alsowaidi, chairman of Etihad Rail said: “The securing of this loan not only represents the beginning of a new era for the UAE in trade and travel through a transportation network that will connect all seven emirates with our GCC partners, but also reflects the international financial community’s confidence in Etihad Rail and the significant potential of the UAE’s national railway.”

Trip sees Etihad Rail and Supreme Committee for Safety & Security travel to UK, Spain, France and Germany to examine best practice in rail safety and security.