A breakthrough in transportation has brought the possibility of traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in just 12 minutes one step closer. Virgin’s Hyperloop, supported by Dubai-based firm DP World, conducted successful tests in the Nevada desert.
During the trial, two Hyperloop staff members traveled 500 meters on a “DevLoop” in just 15 seconds, reaching speeds of 107 mph (172 kph). The Hyperloop, which uses vacuum tubes to propel pods at high speeds, aims to eventually achieve speeds of 1,000 km/h.
Although the recent test occurred in Nevada, the Los Angeles-based Hyperloop company is considering various locations for implementing the technology, including a route between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If realized, this Hyperloop connection would significantly reduce travel time between the two Emirates.
Inspired by ideas from Tesla founder Elon Musk, the Hyperloop concept builds upon magnetic levitation (maglev) trains, which gain speed by traveling through vacuum tubes. Japan’s Maglev trains currently hold the world record for fastest speed, reaching a top speed of 374 mph in one test.
