Virgin Hyperloop One has been selected by the U.S. Department of State to represent the country at Expo 2020, the first World’s Fair to be held in the Middle East.
Described as “a festival of human ingenuity”, the event in Dubai will highlight global innovations in the fields of opportunity, mobility, and sustainability, principles that are expected to promote social and economic advancement in the region.
The design plan for the US Pavilion will be based around the concept of “What Moves You”, highlighting the power of technology to innovate mobility and create commercial opportunities.
Vincent Campfens, Port of Rotterdam, discusses connectivity and the digital future in a recent Port Technology technical paper
According to a statement, the exhibition will feature pods that physically simulate how it would feel to ride a Virgin Hyperloop One system, giving participants the chance to interact with the kind of technology that will be used in commercial operations.
Jay Walder, CEO for Virgin Hyperloop One, said: “Expo 2020 follows on a rich 150-year-old global tradition of World Expos that have had a significant positive impact on transformative technologies and global cultural symbols.
Honored to have won the ‘Revolution in Transport’ award last evening at the Transport and Logistics Middle East Awards for @DP_World Cargospeed. pic.twitter.com/gNBnNyTnIM
— Virgin Hyperloop One (@HyperloopOne) November 13, 2018
“The Eiffel Tower, the Seattle Space Needle, the telephone, and the television were all former showcase items. However, Expos are not just about iconic buildings and innovations, but gatherings where nations come together to with the common goal of bringing innovation to the masses.”
Frederick Bush, Lead for Pavilion USA 2020, added: “This partnership will give millions their first glimpse into the emerging hyperloop industry and make all Americans proud of the role we continue playing in moving the world forward.
“I cannot think of a single technology more poised to change the world and no company better positioned to showcase it.”
Some of the most iconic innovations have been premiered at World Fairs, and we’re next! Excited to announce that Virgin Hyperloop One will be a flagship experience at @expo2020dubai with an interactive passenger experience exhibit. pic.twitter.com/r8FlFpr59R
— Virgin Hyperloop One (@HyperloopOne) November 28, 2018
DP World, the largest investor in Virgin Hyperloop One and third-largest port authority in the world, will also be featured next to the U.S. Pavilion as the Expo’s Premier World Trade Partner.
They will run an exhibit at Expo 2020 to feature DP World Cargospeed, the cargo brand under Virgin Hyperloop One.
Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World and Virgin Hyperloop One, commented: “Historically, cargo has always driven innovation in transportation and we see hyperloop technology as absolutely essential to the expanding market of on-demand, sustainable global shipping.
“Having Virgin Hyperloop One featured as a prominent symbol of global innovation at Expo 2020 is thrilling for us since we are so invested in the company – not just financially, but as believers in their unique technology.”