Virgin Hyperloop One to exhibit passenger pod at Dubai Motor Show

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO), the world’s leading hyperloop company, on Monday announced its participation at Dubai Motor Show, the most definite platform in the region for international automotive exhibitors, taking place from November 12-16th 2019, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Expected to have a significant presence, VHO is presenting visitors at the leading motor show with the opportunity to get a first-hand account of what it will be like to travel in the 21st century. The consumer event will be a rare opportunity for visitors from the general public to be able to access the pod. Expected to draw large crowds, the pod is said to reach speeds of up to 1,000km/m, while being 5-10 time more energy efficient than a commercial airliner.

 Speaking about the revolutionary technology, Harj Dhaliwal, Managing Director for the Middle East and India at VHO, said, “Hyperloop technology is a true game changer. As the transportation and automotive sectors undergo drastic changes - be it hyperloop technology, last-mile-delivery or autonomous vehicles - we see a next generation of transportation emerging that will impact the way we travel, live and work. Hyperloop will play a defining role in connecting major cities and help emerging economies thrive, fulfilling their true potential through a connected Gulf.” Excited about participating in this year’s Dubai Motor Show, he added: “The show is one of the most significant automotive shows in the region that explores everything from autonomous driving to the future of transportation. Hyperloop is probably the most disruptive technology in this field, and we are pleased to show our pod to the public for the first time.” As global populations grow, the demands for rapid, seamless travel, and more efficient deliveries will continue to rise. VHO is working with a team of 200+ highly qualified in-house engineers toward transforming mobility and trade, while connecting the Gulf region. Hyperloop - a 100% electric, low-emission infrastructure project - is critical for the benefit of millions of people across the region and for the realization of many governments’ sustainability agendas.

 Paying testimony to its commitment to the region and to the realization of a ‘Connected Gulf’, VHO has announced the findings of a feasibility study that could see the leading developer break ground in Saudi Arabia as early as 2020. The report illustrates how the establishment of a proposed Center of Excellence would drive domestic value by adding to the creation of more than 124,000 high-tech local jobs, supporting the technology sector by incorporating advances in robotics and AI and driving an estimated $4billion increase in KSA GDP by 2030.

 The ground-breaking hyperloop technology promises to transport passengers between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in under 12 Minutes. Whereas a similar journey from the UAE to Saudi Arabia’s capital could take just 48 minutes. Beyond Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the developer has ambitious plan to extend its network across the wider Gulf region that would also include Bahrain.

 Elsewhere, the firm is making great progress also. In the US VHO is currently issuing a request for proposal to states, regional or local governments and private organizations, foundations and academic institutions to create a “Hyperloop Certification Center”. Reportedly, the developer has received a total of 19 interests, including those from West Virginia and Georgia.