The statement was made by DP World which is a major investor for the project.

It's been over a decade since the revolutionary hyperloop was popularised as public transport for the future by tech tycoon Elon Musk, triggering speculation as well as fascination about its capabilities among tech geeks. Years later, the innovation which promises to cover long distances in less than an hour, has found support both financially and technically from the UAE.

American firm Virgin Hyperloop is among frontrunners to develop this superfast commute, and is backed by funds from Dubai-based DP World, for its research in Abu Dhabi's innovation hub. Now the major backer behind this project has expressed optimism about the first hyperloop zooming into the Middle East or India, before the end of this decade.

After tests with humans travelling aboard the hyperloop pods last year, the vehicles are also being featured at the Dubai Expo for visitors to catch a glimpse of the futuristic commute. The technology which involves propelling pods through vaccum tubes, has found infrastructure for the project as well as knowhow, at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi.

Expected to hit a high speed of over 1000 kms per hour, the mechanism is touted as a way to transport cargo and passengers between Emirati cities within minutes. The innovators are also expecting to expand the service to other countries, through a network that'll connect cities across the gulf.

On the other hand DP World CEO has said that considering the capability to cut down travel time for longer distances, the hyperloop can first be rolled out in Saudi Arabia or even India.

The UAE has already started investing in tech including sky pods to tackle traffic, autonomous buses, cabs and also trucks that can transport goods on ports. Once electric as well as smart mobility is achieved, cities in the Emirates may also be opened up for flying cabs which are being developed globally.