Virgin Hyperloop One announced its partnership with Saudi Arabia's Economic City Authority (ECA) on a study to construct the world's longest test and certification hyperloop track, and also a research and development center and hyperloop manufacturing facility north of Jeddah.
Specifically, the partner's study will focus on King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), located 100 kilometers north of the Red Sea port of Jeddah. The construction of the project will consist of a 35-kilometer test and certification track, create opportunities for the development of specific hyperloop technologies and develop local expertise in Saudi Arabia which be commercialized and scaled.
In addition, it will boost the development of localised hyperloop supply chains and the construction of innovation clusters across the Kingdom.
Secretary General Mohanud A. Helal stated
Having hyperloop at King Abdullah Economic City is going to act as a catalyst for a Saudi Silicon Valley effect and galvanize our software development, high technology research, and manufacturing industries
Also, except the study, the Prince Mohammad bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship will issue an academic paper presenting the economic impact of the Hyperloop Centre in KAEC. Additionally, experts from the College will visit the Virgin Hyperloop facility in Nevada in order to conduct a technical review, which will result to an academic paper.
Moreover, Jay Walder, CEO, Virgin Hyperloop One commented
With Vision 2030, the Kingdom has demonstrated bold leadership to advance game-changing solutions. A hyperloop system could help enable Saudi Arabia to become a global transportation powerhouse, nurture the nation’s innovation and entrepreneurial culture, and grow an innovative knowledge workforce.
In general, in 2018, Dubai-based port operator DP World partnered with US-based Virgin Hyperloop One to launch DP World Cargospeed, the first initiative of its kind in the world. DP World recently announced that its hyperloop project will begin in India, but still, the date remains unknown.
