Abu Dhabi has signed the UAE?s second hyperloop feasibility study to build a futuristic high-speed transport system connecting the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
Abu Dhabi?s department of municipal affairs and transport (DMAT) and US-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) announced the agreement, which follows a similar study signed in Dubai in November, Reuters reported.
A hyperloop uses magnets to levitate pods inside an airless tube, creating conditions in which the pods can shuttle people and cargo at speeds of up to 1,200km/h.
The unproven technology is proposed as a replacement to existing rail infrastructure.
The UAE has put on hold plans to build its own national rail network after neighbouring Gulf countries fell behind on their rail projects that were supposed to link the six states from Kuwait to Oman.
A hyperloop route could connect Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in eight to 12 minutes, according to a joint DMAT and HyperloopTT statement. This compares to the two hours it takes by car today.
The statement said that it was the only initiative of its kind that has the support of the government of Abu Dhabi.
