Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 49 | Page 74

INDUSTRY WATCH has set out a clear strategy for economic diversification and development through Vision 2030. “Attracting world beating technology companies like VHO to our hub of innovation and industrial development at KAEC is an important indicator of the momentum behind our plans. Establishing a CoE located at the Industrial Valley will drive job creation, connect our cities and people while stimulating R&D and tech investment that will be the foundation of our future economy. “KAEC is fast establishing itself as the strategic location of choice for companies seeking to expand into KSA and the wider region and has already attracted more than 118 leading local and international companies.” The study further provides analysis on the economic impact of the CoE and wider VHO development in the Kingdom, focusing specifically on the growth of hyperloop supply chains and the acceleration of innovation clusters across the KSA. Assessing short and long-term metrics, the study looked at the role of a manufacturing centre and the local and global supply chains required to facilitate industrial development of this nature within KAEC. Commenting further on the centre, VHO’s Jay Walder, added: “With VHO’s technology we are transforming inspiration into practical innovation. We have developed patented technology and are building a strong network of public and private partners committed to making hyperloop the catalyst of a transportation revolution in years to come.” n Jay Walder, CEO, VHO About Virgin Hyperloop One Virgin Hyperloop One is the only company in the world that has built a fully operational hyperloop system. Our team has the world’s leading experts in engineering, technology, and transport project delivery, working in tandem with global partners and investors to make hyperloop a reality, now. Virgin Hyperloop One is backed by key investors including DP World, Caspian VC Partners, Virgin Group, Sherpa Capital, Abu Dhabi Capital Group, SNCF, GE Ventures, Formation 8, 137 Ventures, WTI, among others. For more information, visit www. virginhyperloopone.com. About King Abdullah Economic City King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is the largest privately funded new city in the world. Situated on the west coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KAEC covers an area of 181 square kilometres of land, approximately the size of Washington DC. KAEC comprises King Abdullah Port, the Coastal Communities residential districts, the Haramain Railway district and the Industrial Valley. The city is under development by Emaar, The Economic City, a publicly listed Saudi joint-stock company established in 2006. 74 INTELLIGENTCIO www.intelligentcio.com