Dubai’s Hyperloop Prospects
While the world of travel has been severely disrupted as a result of the ongoing global pandemic, there are still plenty of developments being made in the space. Most notably, the hyperloop—the latest and greatest form of ground transport—is currently making waves after successful test trips in the US.
Given that travel has become extremely important to businesses, and will undoubtedly continue to be once the pandemic quiets down, hyperloop adoption is poised to radically alter the playing field.
While full adoption of the technology is still perhaps a way off, it’s an area in which we’re seeing substantive investments. That’s why we’re looking at hyperloop technology in greater detail—what it is, what it proposes, and what it can potentially bring to UAE-bound businesses.
LOOKING AT THE HYPERLOOP
The hyperloop is the newest innovation in ground travel. In many ways, it’s comparable to a train. A cabin—or pod in this case—runs along a pre-determined track to get from point A to point B as quickly and safely as possible. These tracks are, simply put, low-pressure tubes that can be placed either above or below ground, and enable the pods within to travel at speeds of more than 700 miles per hour. That’s truly impressive, especially considering that commercial airliners, currently the fastest form of travel widely available today, typically cruise at under 600.
The hyperloop achieves this by removing as much air as possible from inside the tube, thereby greatly reducing the resistance that the pod encounters while it travels. The result, in theory, is a fast, reliable travel network.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE HYPERLOOP
While the speed at which it travels is perhaps the biggest selling point, it’s not the only one. Advocates of the hyperloop are viewing it as a way to greatly reduce the carbon footprint of cities by reducing a reliance on congested highways and dated rail networks. Despite the technology not being practical for travel within a given city, travel between cities can become much easier and perhaps even much more affordable, given the relatively low cost of laying down the track for the low-pressure tubes alongside lower energy requirements.
COMMERCIAL PROSPECTS OF THE HYPERLOOP
With the widespread growth of international business, travel has become more of a necessity than a luxury. This is typically accomplished via air travel, which, while fast, accessible and affordable, has some shortcomings, especially when it comes to scheduling. Depending on the departure city and destination, itineraries can become complicated, which makes travel more of a burden than it perhaps needs to be. The hyperloop is poised to address precisely this. In fact, some experts are speculating that hyperloop pods can stagger departures every thirty seconds, meaning that travel can be carried out essentially on demand.
This can pay massive dividends for Dubai. Considering its central location and accessibility to regional hubs in both the Middle East and Asia, a hyperloop connection in the city can provide local businesses with a tremendous advantage when it comes to forging lasting relationships with companies in these markets. With plenty of investments being made into the technology by Dubai-based firms, this future is perhaps closer than we think.
The hyperloop might still be in its infancy, but it’s understandable why so many people are excited about its prospects. Should the technology realise its potential, you can be certain that Dubai will be set to capitalise on it.
More Insights
Browse more insights into Dubai’s business scene.
Securing the Right Office in Dubai for Your Business
Securing the Right Office in Dubai for Your Business Whether you’re entirely new to Dubai or have been established for some time and are just now embarking on the process of expanding your business, one of the first steps that you’re undoubtedly taking is finding the right office space for
Everything You Need to Know About 2022’s IFIN Expo
Everything You Need to Know About 2022’s IFIN Expo Looking for the next big corporate event to circle on your calendar? Well, the Innovative Finance Expo—IFIN for short—is coming to Dubai in November, and it’s slated to be an event that you might want to keep an eye on. Having
8 Great Activities to Experience on Your Dubai Adventure
8 Great Activities to Experience on Your Dubai Adventure Have your tickets purchased? Your bags packed? Entertainment handy for the plane ride over? You’re undoubtedly excited about the new personal and professional opportunities that Dubai will afford you and your family in the years to come, but you should never