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DP World, the leading provider of smart supply chain solutions, and Virgin Hyperloop have partnered with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) MENA region, Class of Your Own (COYO), Bentley Systems and Cadventure to launch the DEC Future Infrastructure Challenge. This exciting competition has emerged from the development of COYO’s “Design Engineer Construct! Future Infrastructure” programme, designed to inspire the world’s future professionals.

The challenge will put teams of undergraduates in a head-to-head competition to come up with new ideas to develop the UAE’s transportation infrastructure of the future.

University teams from across the UAE will conceptualise hyperloop portals, plan optimum routes and design associated infrastructure to connect the ports of Jebel Ali, Dubai and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Hyperloop is a new mode of transportation designed to eliminate the barriers of distance and time for both people and freight. Traveling at speeds of up to 1,000 km/h with zero direct emissions, hyperloop could usher in a new era in sustainable logistics.

“We are excited to launch this competition to get the next generation thinking about the potential of hyperloop-enabled logistics,” said Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World UAE Region & Jafza. “The global supply chain crisis had made it clear that the time for innovation is now – and these students will be at the forefront, tackling the industry’s biggest challenges head-on.”

Working closely with partner DP World, Virgin Hyperloop’s ambition to revolutionise transport and logistics through cargo and passenger hyperloop-enabled systems is closer than ever.

With around 860 members living and working on a huge range of projects across the UAE and a very active graduate and student group, ICE MENA Regional Manager Redha al Redha is very excited: 

“This competition shows budding civil engineers the many ways we can design and build infrastructure that benefits society. Hands-on experience on top-level projects is invaluable in inspiring and educating the next generation about a career that changes lives and can help us build a sustainable world for our future,” said Redha.

"We look forward to seeing some remarkable talent working at the forefront of our industry in a few years’ time." 

COYO’s self-directed programme of study enables young people to explore a range of themes that will impact and influence major infrastructure projects in the near future, including cyber security, net zero carbon and environmental issues, digital twins, machine learning and artificial intelligence. 

“It’s great to be back in Dubai, working with this amazing team,” said COYO’s Founder and CEO, Alison Watson. “Covid-19 has had a huge impact on students and their ability to learn by traditional methods. The rapid adoption of digital technology has kept the world talking and compelled organisations to be more resilient, productive and efficient. The Future Infrastructure Programme presents an exciting opportunity to test the collaborative problem-solving skills of a generation of graduates entering a very different construction industry.”