Dubai is the launchpad of all futuristic things. With the roll-out of innovations one after another at breakneck speeds, the city continues to amaze people world over.
The public transport network in Dubai will undergo a massive transformation in the coming years and completely change the way people travel or commute daily. Ever since the mega city has forayed into the world of zero-emission and driverless transportation things are moving rapidly. Fasten your seatbelts as we ride you into the future of Dubai’s smart transportation in this article.
Hyperloop
Dubai is building a hyperloop system, a high-speed transportation line that will drastically reduce travel times between cities. The journey from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which takes around two hours by road, will now be cut short to just 12 minutes for passengers. With the pods reaching speeds of up to 1000 km per hour this project aims to connect the two cities like never before.
Inside the cabins, passengers will have access to wireless charging ports, with LED notifications around the seats. The pods will also be fitted with a simulated skylight that closely mimics natural light. Each pod can comfortably seat up to 28 passengers and there is plenty of overhead space for luggage. The design focuses on open space for relaxed travel, doing away with cramped seating.
Flying Taxis
Dubai has been a pioneer in testing flying taxis or electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. In February 2023, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved models of aerial taxi stations developed by the RTA and flying taxis are planned to take off by 2026.The initial launch will connect Downtown Dubai (Burj Halifa Area), Dubai Marina, Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah.
Once launched, Dubai will become the first city in the world to offer flying taxi service. The fully electric taxis can fly at top speeds of 300 km per hour and can accommodate up to four passengers with one pilot. This safe and efficient air-taxi will provide the passengers with a smooth end-to-end journey with vertical take-off and landing, that too on zero operating emissions.
Sky Pods
Sharjah’s high-speed electric sky pods intend to not only transport passengers but also cargo between the emirates at speeds ranging from 150-500 km per hour. The suspended transport system, which involves the movement of driverless pods on “strings” — tensioned steel tracks attached on concrete supports — is being tested at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park).
This hanging transport system known as SkyWays is made up of individual Unicars connected by a long cable suspended above the ground. After successful testing, Sharjah will announce its routes within the city and further connect the pods to other emirates.
With such amazing feats, no doubt Dubai is a city that can makes even the unimaginable possible. hold your excitement and get ready to take off in the city’s most anticipated transportation vehicles in the near future?