Virgin Hyperloop One eyes world’s longest test track in Saudi Arabia

Virgin Hyperloop One announced today a development partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Economic City Authority (ECA) to conduct a study to build the world’s longest test and certification hyperloop track, a research and development center, and a hyperloop manufacturing facility in Jeddah.

With a focus on King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), the project, which would include a 35 kilometer test and certification track, will create opportunities for the development of specific hyperloop technologies and develop local expertise in Saudi Arabia which will be commercialized and scaled. 

The study will also facilitate the development of localized hyperloop supply chains and the acceleration of innovation clusters across the Kingdom, the company said in a statement.

Read: Saudi Arabia becomes first in the world to develop hyperloop network

“Having the hyperloop at KAEC will act as a catalyst for a Saudi Silicon Valley effect and galvanize our software development, technology research, and manufacturing industries,” ECA Secretary General Mohanud A. Helal said.

Virgin Hyperloop One’s technology features depressurized tubes that carry on-demand passenger or cargo “pods” at speeds up to 1,080 kilometers per hour, the statement said. 

The hyperloop technology is expected to reduce journey times across Saudi Arabia, increasing connectivity not only across the country but throughout the GCC.

“I look forward to this collaboration with our partners in Saudi Arabia to turn this technology into a mass transportation solution,” Jay Walder, CEO at Virgin Hyperloop One, said. 

In parallel to the implementation of the study, Prince Mohammad bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship will collaborate on the creation and publication of an academic paper outlining the economic impact of a Hyperloop Center of Excellence in KAEC.