DUBAI: November 28, 2018. The US Department of State is to include a Virgin Hyperloop One exhibit in the US Pavillion at Expo 2020, the first World’s Fair to be held in the Middle East.

“Expo 2020 follows on a rich 150-year-old global tradition of World Expos that have had a significant positive impact on transformative technologies and global cultural symbols,” said Ryan Kelly, head of Marketing and Communications for Virgin Hyperloop One.

“The Eiffel Tower, the Seattle Space Needle, the telephone [and] the television were all former showcase items. However, Expos are not just about iconic buildings and innovations, but interactive gatherings whereby nations come together to work together on common goals while experiencing the cultural richness of the host nation,” he added.

DP World, the largest investor in Virgin Hyperloop One, will be positioned next to the US Pavilion and exhibit DP World Cargospeed, the hyperloop concept for cargo.

"Historically, cargo has always driven innovation in transportation and we see hyperloop technology as absolutely essential to the expanding market of on-demand, sustainable global shipping,” commented Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World and Virgin Hyperloop One chairman. “Having Virgin Hyperloop One featured as a prominent symbol of global innovation at Expo 2020 is thrilling for us since we are so invested in the company—not just financially, but as believers in their unique technology.”

In addition to DP World, Virgin Hyperloop One investors include Virgin Group, Caspian VC Partners, Sherpa Capital, Abu Dhabi Capital Group, SNCF, GE Ventures, Formation 8, 137 Ventures and WTI.