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Virgin Hyperloop Concept Video Provides A Peek At The Future Of Transportation

Published

4 years ago

February 2, 2021

If the idea of traveling at speeds up to 670 mph while sitting inside a futuristic pod propelled by strong electromagnets through an airless tube sounds like a cool sci-fi concept to you, then you should watch the latest video published by Virgin Hyperloop.

The video shows how the Hyperloop concept, which was first proposed in 2013 by Elon Musk, might enable a faster, greener, and more cost-efficient mode of travel in a not-so-distant future — at least in the United Arab Emirates.

Unlike many existing train stations, the one from which the passengers in the video board their pods is clean, bright, and inviting. The pods themselves echo the same optimistic vision of the future, where traditional materials and high-end technology work in unison to create a more pleasant transportation experience.

Every passenger seat is equipped with wireless charging, and translucent LCD screens that double as dividers between individual rows of seats show the remaining travel time and current speed. Smaller info displays inform passengers about Wi-Fi and toilet availability, both of which are guaranteed to come in handy during longer trips.

When will first passengers be able to enjoy this exciting new mode of transportation? Sometime in 2030, most likely. Virgin Hyperloop, which receives financial backing from Dubai’s regime-backed DP World, must first receive its safety certification before it is allowed to operate in the United Arab Emirates.

So far, Virgin Hyperloop has successfully completed its first passenger test, during which the pod accelerated to around 100 mph. That’s a fairly impressive speed, but there’s no denying that the company has a long way to go before it hits 670 mph.

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When it does, its Hyperloop system could be a game-changer for all people who commute long-distances on a regular basis. Jay Walder, CEO of Virgin Hyperloop, said that the company’s Hyperloop system must be affordable for people to use. As such, prices should be much closer to driving than flying thanks to the fact that multiple pods (each carrying up to 28 passengers) can travel inside the same tube mere milliseconds apart.

Related Topics:United Arab Emirates Virgin Hyperloop

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Warner Bros. Discovery Invests In OSN Streaming To Expand MENA Reach

The move follows an exclusive deal between OSN and HBO in 2022 and its recent acquisition of a majority stake in music platform Anghami.

Published

2 days ago

March 24, 2025

Nour Nasir

warner bros discovery invests in osn streaming to expand mena reach

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has acquired a stake in OSN Streaming Limited, a subsidiary of the OSN Group. The investment is part of WBD’s growing commitment to the Middle East and North Africa streaming market. The deal will be finalized in phases, pending regulatory approval.

For OSN, the partnership strengthens its leadership position in the region’s highly competitive streaming landscape. The company has been expanding its content portfolio through long-term partnerships, including an exclusive deal with HBO in 2022. Earlier this year, OSN also acquired a majority stake in music streaming platform Anghami, further diversifying its digital offerings.

Sheikha Dana Naser Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Group CEO of KIPCO and Chairperson of OSN, highlighted the importance of the partnership:

“We are delighted to be announcing this deal between WBD and OSN, which […] affirms the success of the strategy that KIPCO laid out to focus on and strengthen our streaming business, even in a competitive market environment. The transaction builds on OSN’s strong growth trajectory and market leadership in MENA’s streaming industry, strengthening its competitive position as one of the region’s premier entertainment destinations”.

Jamie Cooke, Executive Vice President & Managing Director for Central Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East at Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasized the importance of local content alongside global hits:

“It’s our goal to tell the greatest stories, whilst innovating our products and distribution channels […] We recognize that alongside enjoying the latest global hits, regional audiences also want stories from and about the region that reflect their own cultures and experiences. Through this deal, we’re delighted to announce that both OSN and Warner Bros. Discovery will invest in high-quality, locally produced content, ensuring a richer and more diverse offering for viewers”.

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OSN Group CEO Joe Kawkabani echoed this sentiment, calling WBD’s investment a major milestone:

“We are thrilled to welcome WBD as a strategic partner. As a global leader in entertainment, WBD brings unparalleled expertise, innovation, and a rich portfolio of iconic brands. This investment is a significant milestone in OSN’s growth journey, reinforcing our dedication to delivering unique and compelling content. It also bolsters our commitment to expanding our investment in local content, broadening its reach beyond MENA to global audiences”.

WBD’s streaming services, Max and Discovery+, now boast nearly 117 million subscribers worldwide. The company’s increasing footprint in MENA is part of a broader expansion strategy that began with the opening of its Dubai office in 2012. Since then, WBD has steadily built its presence in the region, ensuring that MENA audiences have access to world-class entertainment.