Scott Olson, the inventor of Rollerblades, is proposing a human-powered transport system for the country's major tourist areas and, perhaps, Abu Dhabi's clean-technology hub Masdar City.
The futuristic proposal is basically a monorail with pods propelled by passengers pedalling or "rowing" the capsules.
Mr Olson's company, SkyRide Technology, also plans to include electric capsules that travel on rails using energy drawn from solar panels. The company has a presence at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi this week.
Mr Olson suggests his system could also be used at university and corporate campuses and even for large-scale urban transport.
"Hopefully this will change how people think about transportation and … get people off the ground and off of the roads," he said.
"People are always looking for things to do," said Adam Meyer, SkyRide's chief marketing officer."It could be looked at as a tourist attraction or an activity for people with the mentality of being active, healthy or fit," he said.
"Of course, for everyday use or for people not interested in manual effort, there will be alternatives."
The company has discussed the technology with officials at Masdar, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce, Ferrari World and several other organisations.
Paul Bierman-Lytle, the director of sustainability development for the contracting and consulting firm IMCC, based in Abu Dhabi, said he was considering SkyRide's human-powered system for several projects in which his company was involved. He is drawing up plans to potentially incorporate it at Al Forsan International Sports Resort, which will eventually include a shooting club, hotel and residential villas.
"This is such a unique concept, and would certainly draw a lot of attention from around the world," he said.
A similar human-powered system operates in New Zealand. Last September, Google invested US$1 million (Dh3.67m) in Shweeb, which built The Shweeb monorail ride at the country's Agroventures Park, to promote transit research and development.
SkyRide is just coming to market. It has so far drawn interest from special-needs centres, ski resorts and other tourism-related facilities. One small town in Minnesota is considering installing the monorail as a way for residents to pass over a busy intersection.
Each fibreglass pod rides on four 3cm diameter wheels along a steel track, which allows lane changes. The current model allows riders to reach up to 35kmh.
econroy@thenational.ae
Company%20Profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Top 5 concerns globally:
1. Unemployment
2. Spread of infectious diseases
3. Fiscal crises
4. Cyber attacks
5. Profound social instability
Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
1. Energy price shock
2. Fiscal crises
3. Spread of infectious diseases
4. Unmanageable inflation
5. Cyber attacks
Source: World Economic Foundation
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.