UAE's greatest 2016 achievements: Hyperloop

The hyperloop technology has levitating pods that are powered by electricity and magnetism.

November 7 is a date that will go down as the date that revolutionised the public transport system in the UAE. At an event held in Dubai's most iconic structure, Burj Khalifa, a deal was announced between the RTA Dubai and Los Angeles-based Hyperloop One. This deal was about bringing the Hyperloop One technology to Dubai. This technology is believed to facilitate super-fast travel that could take you from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in just 12 minutes.
No financial terms had been disclosed, probably because the technology itself is under testing. The hyperloop technology has levitating pods that are powered by electricity and magnetism. They travel through low-friction pipes at a top speed of 1,220km/h.
Matter Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, made the following statement on the agreement, "In line with the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the RTA is collaborating closely with Dubai Future Accelerators to support innovative solutions for the future of mobility.
"This is an opportunity to help transform the UAE from a technology consumer to a technology creator, incubating expertise for a new global industry, in line with the UAE's Vision 2021. With Hyperloop One, we will create a new means of transportation, keeping our region at the forefront of transportation technology and innovation," he added.
Rob Lloyd, CEO of Hyperloop One commented, "Having signed an agreement with DP World in August to pursue a cargo-based Hyperloop One system at Jebel Ali port, our focus has now expanded to include connecting the emirates. As the central global transport hub, pursuing the implementation of a Hyperloop in the UAE makes sense.
The leaders of the UAE understand that transportation is the new broadband, with the power to transform life throughout the GCC."
He also said: "We are now at a stage where, from a technological point of view, we could have a Hyperloop One system built in the UAE in the next five years. Our agreement with the RTA is the biggest step yet towards achieving this goal."
- gaurav@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
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