Aldar Properties has signed an agreement with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) to start construction of the world’s first commercial Hyperloop system in the UAE. The construction site is located in Aldar’s Seih Al Sdeirah land bank in Abu Dhabi and in close proximity to the residential development Alghadeer. It is located on the border of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, close to the Expo 2020 site and Al Maktoum International Airport.
HyperloopTT plans construction of the line in several phases starting within a 10km allocation, with further development aimed at creating a commercial Hyperloop network across the Emirates and beyond. The agreement also includes construction of HyperloopTT’s XO Square Innovation Center, and a Hyperloop Visitor Center.
Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO, Aldar Properties, said: “Alghadeer sits at such a strategic point within the UAE, close to major growth areas of both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, that it makes sense to pair it with rapid transport opportunities. We believe that Hyperloop technology can have a major positive impact on the lives of all of those living within our communities, and we look forward to this possibility becoming a reality.”
Bibop Gresta, chairman, HyperloopTT, said: “This agreement creates the basis for the world’s first commercial Hyperloop system in the UAE, with the goal of eventually connecting Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, Dubai, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With regulatory support, we hope the first section will be operational in time for Expo 2020.”
Earlier this month HyperloopTT began construction of the first full-scale passenger and freight prototype system in Toulouse, France, and expects delivery of the first passenger capsule later this year. The capsule will be assembled and optimised in Toulouse, France, prior to use in the UAE.
