Virgin Hyperloop One Vice President for the Arabian Gulf, Colin Rhys, revealed the company’s plans for linking the infrastructure of Saudi, NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya and some Arab capitals.
Rhys, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, revealed that Saudi Arabia is set to be the number one partner in launching hyperloop technology, which would serve as an accelerator for the realization of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program.
He also reaffirmed the company’s trust in a bright future for the transportation network project in Saudi Arabia, especially in employing local skilled labor.
Virgin Hyperloop One is likely to reveal details of its plan to link Saudi Arabia's $500-billion futuristic city, NEOM, the mega Red Sea tourism project and Qiddiya giga-projects together at the upcoming The Big 5 Saudi show scheduled for Jeddah between March 11-13.
Rhys pointed out that launching work on the project depends on when agreements are signed, while taking into consideration safety regulations. The first system could launch in early 2020 if the organizational process continues to move smoothly.
A graphic published alongside details of Rhys’s speech depicts a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) alignment route, showcasing stops at NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Jeddah, Makkah, Riyadh, Kuwait City, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Muscat.
Hyperloop technology could cut the time it takes to travel from Riyadh to Jeddah to 46 minutes.
The Hyperloop’s vision for the Kingdom is expected to launch mid-April, and is projected to take up to 10 years for accomplishment. Further information on exact costs was not revealed, but a kilometer covered is expected to run at a $15-20 million fee.
The project will provide also boost employment in the Kingdom.
The system is expected to create high-tech jobs for Saudi nationals and provide uplift in gross domestic product.
To ensure young Saudis benefit from Virgin Hyperloop One’s expertise, the company partnered with the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Foundation (Misk) last year to provide 21 internships at its campus in Los Angeles, US.
Rhys said the infrastructure scheme will encourage Saudi Arabia’s adoption of emerging technologies. Hyperloop will create a “manufacturing hub” in the Kingdom, allowing the country to import and export goods at rapid speeds, he stressed.
