The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs and Tranport signs agreement with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies to study the development of high-speed transportation between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain

Abu Dhabi On Monday, 12 December 6, 2016 - In line with the Abu Dhabi Government's long term vision and plan, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport (DMAT) announced an agreement with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) to undertake a feasibility study to connect Abu Dhabi and Al Ain using the HyperloopTM system. HyperloopTT is one of the global leaders in providing innovative solutions to the transportation industry, and the company's technology could have a significant impact on the future of transport in Abu Dhabi.

Eng. Khalid Mohamed Hashim, Acting Executive Director of Land Transport Sector at DMAT in Abu Dhabi, said: "Through this agreement with HyperloopTT, we aim to study the feasibility of developing of the first HyperloopTM system, which is one of the latest and most advanced transportation technologies that is expected to reach a top speed of 1,200 kilometers per hour. We hope to take advantage of this technology to connect the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, which will result in a travel time of about eight to twelve minutes."

He added: "The reinforcement of connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain is one of the strategic objectives of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, aiming to stimulate economic, social and touristic development between Al Ain and its suburbs and the capital city. In addition to direct benefits, higher connectivity between two largest cities in the Emirates offers numerous indirect benefits, such as less reliance on private vehicles and traditional public transport modes, which means creating sustainable transport that can lessen the negative impact of transport related emissions in the Emirate.

HyperloopTT has an agreement with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which grants the company an exclusive license to use the Laboratory's passive magnetic levitation technology in the HyperloopTM.

As one of the first companies in the world to develop the HyperloopTM technology, HyperloopTT has secured its technology innovations and intellectual property with numerous patents - including trademarks granted in more than 33 countries.

Press release For Immediate Release

The study agreement details a multi-phase rollout that includes route analysis, feasibility studies, and a cost estimate and development schedule which will be determined over the next few months. Once these analyses are successfully completed, both DMAT and HyperloopTT will discuss further steps. This project is the only initiative of its kind that has the support of the government of Abu Dhabi.

Bibop G. Gresta Chairman and Co-Founder of HyperloopTT said: "We are pleased to cooperate with the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport to conduct a study on high-speed travel between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. By leveraging a global team of experts and professionals, we are working to achieve a technical breakthrough in the field of transportation in Abu Dhabi. Our team's collaborative efforts from our offices in the UAE and around the world are focused on delivering humanized mobility through the development of the world's fastest, safest and most energy-efficient transportation solution."

He added: "We see in this agreement a significant opportunity that will allow us to bring to life our vision of providing valuable solutions with a positive impact on safe, rapid and effective transportation. It will result in providing a sustainable solution - reducing the carbon footprint while enriching the lives of people in various communities here in Abu Dhabi."

He also added: "This technology is based on the Halbach Array - a pattern of magnets which produces its own electrical current and levitation for the HyperloopTM capsules - the next generation of MagLev technology for safe and sustainable transport. HyperloopTT has the exclusive rights to develop this technology because of its international reputation and its extensive corporate and research/development partnerships.

The study will be useful for identifying locations for stations and tracks. The full environmental, economic and social benefits of this project will be realized once implemented. The cost of this exciting next-generation transportation technology - that is characterized by a high degree of safety and comfort - is estimated to be significantly less than traditional high speed rail. The system will also be completed in half the time needed to achieve traditional high speed rail projects, and will consume only a fraction of the energy.

About the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport has been formed in November 2016 pursuant to a law issued by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, thus replacing the ex "Department of Municipal Affairs" and "Department of Transport". Responsibilities of the Department of Municipal Affairs & Transport span a wide array of sectors including municipal affairs, civil aviation as well as land & marine transport sectors. The Department drafts legislations of relevance to these fields and submits them to the Executive Council. It also prepares relevant plans & strategies in accordance with the development policy of the government. The Law states that the Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality and the Western Region Municipality as well as any municipality that may be established in future, has to be affiliated to the Department in order to ensure their compliance with the applicable legislations, and ensure the sound implementation thereof. Such changes are part of the endeavours of the Department of Municipal Affairs & Transport to set a platform conducive to the improvement of living standards and capable of serving the entire needs of community members besides adding to their happiness by enhancing the services offered to them. At the same time, these responsibilities will support the government efforts towards achieving a balanced, comprehensive and sustainable development in the Emirate.

About Hyperloop Transportation Technologies

Founded in 2013, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Inc. (HyperloopTT) is a global collaborative corporation creating the next breakthrough in transportation. HyperloopTT melds technological innovation, and the power of its community of passionate professionals, bringing disruptive innovation to transportation. Elon Musk published a white paper describing this futuristic high-speed mode of transport. Hyperloop Transportation Technologies was first to rise to the challenge of pursuing a vision pairing a reduced carbon footprint with an increased sense of connection across the planet. We founded this company to embrace our human responsibility to create meaningful solutions. HyperloopTT has offices in Los Angeles, Barcelona, Bratislava, and Abu Dhabi. More than 600 individuals and organizations in 40+ countries deliver a wide spectrum of game-changing technological breakthroughs, exploring every option toward realization of the revolutionary Hyperloop™. Innovation is the heart of HyperloopTT.