Virgin Hyperloop will showcase a replica of a full-scale hyperloop cargo pod and a cutaway passenger pod at DP World’s ‘Flow’ pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The 10-metre long replica of the pod will be located outside the pavilion premises.

Visitors will be able to sit inside the cutaway passenger pod  as well as learn more about the technology and its future impact through interactive displays, videos, and models.

“The constant flow of goods has historically driven innovation in the transportation sector and now more than ever, we must continue to future-proof the industry,” said DP World and Virgin Hyperloop chairman, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. “Hyperloop is poised to revolutionise the global on-demand logistics market, and we are excited to share our vision for the technology in the [pavilion].”

DP World is the largest single investor in Virgin Hyperloop. In November 2018, Sulayem replaced UK business magnate Richard Branson as the firm’s chairman.

Pursuit continues

Government and transport entities in the GCC region have been exploring opportunities around commercial hyperloop travel. 

In 2018, Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties and US-based Hyperloop Transport Technologies announced that they were aiming to begin the construction of a commercial hyperloop track and related facilities by the third quarter of 2019. The project is still in the design stage, according to  regional projects tracker MEED Projects.

An agreement was signed between Virgin Hyperloop and Abu Dhabi Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in December to collaborate on the research and development of the transport system.

In its $147bn transport investment strategy, Saudi Arabia highlighted that it is studying the use of technologies such as hyperloop and magnetic levitation (maglev) to grow its transport network. Virgin Hyperloop was comissioned by the kingdom’s transport ministry in February 2020 to conduct pre-feasibility studies for passenger and cargo hyperloop systems.