Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 12 minutes: It’s happening…

The Hyperloop is no longer just a pipe dream: in fact, if the technology stands up the first system will be in the UAE, possibly within five years…

There’s been speculation for a while, but it’s just been confirmed that the first Hyperloop will be built in the UAE. This means passengers will be able to travel between the emirates at 1,200 kilometres per hour (the max speed of a Boeing 747 is 825 kilometres per hour).

How do we know it’s happening here? Well Hyperloop One, the leading Hyperloop company in the world, has just signed a deal with RTA to intensely study building the first system here (for both passengers and cargo).

So yes, that means a journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi will take only 12 minutes.

When will it all start? Well they’ve said that they could have an operational system connecting Dubai to the capital by 2021. 

“We are now at a stage where, from a technological point of view, we could have a Hyperloop One system built in the UAE in the next five years. Our agreement with the RTA is the biggest step yet towards achieving this goal,” explained Rob Lloyd, CEO of Hyperloop One.

“Imagine stepping out of your villa in Dubai, into a self-driving vehicle that resembles your living room,and arriving just 48 minutes later at your office in Riyadh. That is what Hyperloop One can deliver,” explained Josh Giegel, Hyperloop One’s President of Engineering. Here’s a vision of the start of that journey happening:

HOW WILL HYPERLOOP WORK?

If a Hyperloop system develops around the world it will change the way we travel says Bjarke Ingels, the founder of BIG, a design firm working on the project:

“Collective commuting with individual freedom at near supersonic speed: we are heading for a future where our mental map of the city is completely reconfigured, as our habitual understanding of distance and proximity – time and space – is warped by this new form of travel.”

 The Hyperloop would likely be a bunch of small pods (rather than one large train) and would be on demand, leaving when you want to leave, and going directly to your chosen station.

The infrastructure will be made up of large tubes that run between destinations, and the pods will hover in these (they’d levitate rather than be on tracks). The environment within the main tube will be controlled so that there will only be a very small amount of air in the environment, creating a suction of sorts, so that the pods move from one end to the other (very, very quickly – kind of like a parcel in a postal shoot). They’re working on plans to run them either underwater or above ground.

Remember the transport pods that will take you from New York to Beijing in just two hours? Or from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 15 minutes?

The plan shows that Hyperloop One intend to connect the two emirates, which are 150km apart. The map reveals that they are looking into connecting Dubai Airport, the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Al Maktoum Airport, Abu Dhabi Airport and the centre of Abu Dhabi (with offshoots to the major ports too):

Hyperloop One is partnering with the RTA over the next three months, and by the end of that period they say they’ll be able to show the government that their network will reduce congestion in Dubai by 20 per cent and will reduce emissions by a strong 30 per cent.

“I love that we’re working on something that’s cutting edge, and that can hopefully improve people’s lives, give them back more free time,” explained James Coutre, director of Product Engineering at Hyperloop.

Source:whatson

Legoland Dubai’s opening day wows visitors

DUBAI // The sheer scale of the models at Legoland Dubai brought a wow factor to visitors on its opening day on Monday.

Hundreds of visitors who poured through the turnstiles at the opening of Dubai Parks and Resorts’ latest attraction were greeted by an oompah band, dancers and popular characters from the hit Lego movies.

Lego models recreating the Dubai cityscape seemed to impress many but, with some still being built and many of the rides yet to open, others were a little disappointed.

Countless hours have been spent putting together each of the models to recreate the Marina, Downtown, DIFC and the Burj Khalifa, which takes centre stage as – appropriately – the world’s largest Lego construction.

One ride that was open for use was the Kids Power Tower, a seated ride that gently rises, then drops back to ground level.

Katerina Kovalenko, from Russia, said it was perfect for young children including her daughter Liya, 4.

"This is our first visit to a Legoland so didn’t know what to expect," said Ms Kovalenko, who lives in Dubai. "The buildings are amazing but the rides that are open seem more suitable for younger children.

"There are a few things that are not finished yet, but they’ve done well to open on time."

Harold Charette, an American working in Abu Dhabi, was visiting with his two children Ruben, 10, and Nick, 19, and their mum Eileen.

"We lucked out as we bought a Lego kit and won free admission, so we had to come," said Mr Charette.

"I’m sure it will be popular with tourists and families living here. The buildings are impressive and I love the model of Petra. The detail is amazing, you can see the fisherman pulling in their reels."

The day, however, had some critics.

"It was an opening day so I expected everything to be perfect and open, ready to use," said Sanjay, who lives in The Green community.

"It was a bit disappointing, particularly when you see how much work is still being done."

Once inside, children can explore six themed lands, each offering entertainment and educational activities.

At the City zone, they can fly a plane at a mini airport, steer a boat or earn a Lego driver’s licence.

Model dragons, squires, maidens and knights are scattered throughout the Kingdom zone, although work is still being done to complete the dragon rollercoaster.

Kids can race cars and younger children can learn how to build in the Imagination zone, while the Adventure area gives young explorers a submarine adventure, and challenges them to dodge water blasts as they discover ancient ruins and the Pharaoh’s treasure.

Miniland hosts the Dubai skyline and a tour of the factory shows how the bricks are made. A nearby Lego water park, also due to open later this year, is aimed at children aged between 2 and 12.

Other parks sitting alongside Legoland include the Indian-themed Bollywood Park, feature film attraction Motiongate, and Lapita, a Polynesian-themed attraction.

Legoland, off Sheikh Zayed Road opposite the Palm Jebel Ali, is the latest brick in the path towards Dubai’s goal of becoming a global family destination.

Which areas in Dubai have the cleanest homes?

Dubai: Whether you’re looking to change neighbourhoods, or are just merely curious about your own district, the top three areas with the cleanest areas have now been rated.

According to VIS, the organisers of Middle East Cleaning Technology Week (MECTW), the highest intake of cleaning services in Dubai were found in the areas of Arabian Ranches, Dubai Marina, and Mirdif.

The survey found that residents from these areas have their homes cleaned every alternative day.

"The last few years has seen a shift towards an increased preference for superior services offered by third party cleaning companies, even if they have a resident maid cleaning for them,” said Jamal Abdullah Lootah, CEO, Imdaad – an Integrated Facilities Management and Environmental Services Company.

“This can be attributed to the more than satisfactory performance of their services, especially in Dubai where the quality of the service being offered is in compliance with set international standards and best practices," he said.  

The survey also looked at pest control services and found that on average residents use the service at least once a year. Commercial enterprises like restaurants are more frequent users, up to three times a year.

Residents living in a villa with a garden were the biggest users of pest control services where areas, such as Arabian Ranches, have ants, cocokroaches and other simliar pests.

“The harsh summer climate here often brings unwanted guests to your home, and the huge number of pest control complaints we receive from Dubai residents involve ants. Villas with a garden, in residential communities, would likely need pest control service for ants and other pests on a scheduled basis,” said Malik Hassan, General Manager, AKI Environmental Services.

“Cockroach and bedbug infestation is another issue we are often called for at homes and restaurants,” he said.

The survey also looked at offices in Media City, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Dubai Silicon Oasis. The study recoded an even split on cleaning services provided by the building management and companies relying on third party cleaning services.

Cleaning services provided by the building management clean offices on a daily basis, whereas third party services are used at least twice a week.

“Cleaning services industry in the region is growing with a lot of demand for specialised cleaning services from residential and small office customers.

"They not only demand a high quality of service but also sophistication in addressing issues that involve chemical treatment of water, pest control and management of drainage systems,” said Jayaraman Nair, Chairman, VIS Exhibitions and Conferences.

The biggest users of cleaning and maid services in the UAE

1.       Western expats

2.       Arabs

3.       Asians

Source: gulfnews

How to get around Dubai in dirhams 1, 2, 3

Explore every inch of the city without even breaking the bank.

Dubai has now become one of those cities where it's possible for someone to not own a car and yet stay well-connected.

Thanks to the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, getting from one place to another is a breeze, and cheap!

Abra - Dh1

The abra is one of Dubai's oldest modes of public transport. Connecting Bur Dubai and Deira since the early days, the abra is not only a cheap mode of transport but also a cultural experience in itself.

Water Bus - Dh2

The water bus is a cheap and interesting alternative to walking around the Dubai Marina. Offering scenic views along the cruise, fares start at Dh2 and you can try roundtrips for Dh4. With three stations, you'll get to see the entirety of the Marina for a total of Dhs6!

Bus - starts at Dh3

The RTA bus is the cheapest and best option to reach virtually any point in Dubai. Bus lines operate all over the city and prices start at a mere Dhs3! Bus stops are also air conditioned so one doesn't need to worry about standing in the heat.

Tram - Dh3

A fresh entry in the public transport scene of Dubai, the Tram operates around the JBR and Al Sufouh areas and charge only Dhs3 whichever station you alight on. See and experience the beauty of Dubai Marina and JBR's The Beach on the cheap.

Metro - starts at Dh3

The Dubai Metro, next to bus is the fastest way to get to both ends of town from Jebel Ali all the way to Deira; it also has dedicated airport stations for backpackers and travelers who opt to go off the beaten path. The Metro works in tandem with the bus to guarantee that you'll reach any and every sort of destination you might have in Dubai.

Source: khaleejtimes