Jeddah chosen as principal Mideast location for groundbreaking filming initiative by Virgin Hyperloop One
Engagement to display how hyperloop would promote Saudi economic and social modernization in concert with Vision 2030 ideals
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virgin Hyperloop One, the California-based hyperloop company that is leading the revolution in mass transportation, has chosen Jeddah as the principal site for the Middle Eastern segment of a global promotional campaign to air later this fall. The film will highlight the future of mobility, environmental sustainability, and human connectivity through the transformative proprietary technology.
“We are privileged to further deepen our close relationship with the Kingdom in choosing Jeddah as the Mideast site of this major campaign,” said Josh Giegel, the Co-Founder of Virgin Hyperloop One. “Jeddah is an up-and-coming modern urban center in the region and is setting high standards to achieve the objectives of Vision 2030. We know there is a bright future for Saudi Arabia, already evidenced in our partnership with the Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation ‘MISK’ to collaborate with young & talented Saudis about how our cutting-edge technology can transform the world.”
With such popular filming locations in the United Arab Emirates to represent Mideast modernization, the choice of Jeddah highlights the company’s belief in the socio-economic advances of the Kingdom and the ideals of Vision 2030. The Vision is the landmark blueprint authored by HRH Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to provide a new foundation of growth, prosperity and highly advanced technological progress in Saudi Arabia to the next generations of women and men in the country.
“We are very excited by the choice of Jeddah for our filming of this key promotional documentary in the Middle East,” said Ryan Kelly, Head of Marketing and Communications for Virgin Hyperloop One. “Jeddah, in addition to being beautiful, is an up-and-coming destination for international companies doing business in the region, for global media and for the booming sector of Red Sea tourism. We are inspired by the changes going on in the country and we hope to play a pivotal role in seeing our shared ideals for the future become reality.”
The relationship between Virgin Hyperloop One and the Kingdom reached new heights in April of this year when executives from Virgin Hyperloop One hosted HRH Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, during his visit to Virgin Galactic test site in the Mojave Desert. During his visit, HRH the Crown Prince unveiled the Vision 2030 Hyperloop Pod, further cementing the commitment between the Kingdom and Virgin Hyperloop One to bring hyperloop technology to Saudi Arabia.
The commitment between the two countries continued into the summer by hosting twenty-one high school and university students from the Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation (MiSK), a non- profit organization founded in 2011 to discover, develop and empower Saudi youth to become active participants in the future economy. The students took an active role in the study of hyperloop technologies, presenting several iterations of customer experience models for passenger travel and cargo options.
With speeds 2-3 times faster than high-speed rail and an on-demand, direct to destination experience, hyperloop technology can reduce journey times across the kingdom, exponentially increasing connectivity across not only across KSA but throughout the GCC. Traveling from Riyadh to Jeddah would take around 76 minutes (currently over 10 hours) utilizing the land bridge for both passenger and freight movement, positioning KSA as the gateway to 3 continents. Traveling from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi would about 48 minutes (currently over 8.5 hours).
About Virgin Hyperloop One
Virgin Hyperloop One is the only company in the world that has built a full-scale hyperloop system. Our team consists of the world's leading experts in engineering, technology and transport project delivery, working in tandem with global partners and investors to build the future of transportation. Virgin Hyperloop One is backed by key investors including Virgin Group, DP World, Caspian VC Partners, Sherpa Capital, Abu Dhabi Capital Group, SNCF, GE Ventures, Formation 8, 137 Ventures, WTI, among others. For more information, visit www.virginhyperloopone.com.
Media Contacts
Virgin Hyperloop One
Marcia A. Christoff
Public Relations Manager
marcia@hyperloop-one.com
+1-213-718-6279
Virgin Hyperloop One
Ryan Kelly
Head of Marketing and Communications
press@hyperloop-one.com
+1-610-442-1896