Cool Stuff
Unitsky Completes First Stage of uSky Elevated String Rail Transport System
Unitsky String Technologies Inc. (UST), the Belarusian-based eco-friendly, safe, and comfortable transport solutions specialised, has completed the first stage of the uSky freight and passenger elevated string rail transport system for use in global logistics at its test facility in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Marking uSky’s first commercial project launch, the company has set plans to increase its portfolio to 10 projects by the end of 2022. The first commercial uSky project will now transit from the “innovation” and “venture capital” stages to the “investment business” stage. In parallel, Unitsky will continue testing the sustainable transport solution prior to widespread deployment next year.
“This is a key milestone in our development,” said Anatoli Unitsky, Founder of Unitsky String Technologies and uSky Transport. “By leveraging our cutting-edge, proprietary technology, we are demonstrating the agility, versatility and capabilities that our cost-efficient, elevated string rail technology can bring to destinations. Tailored to support both cargo and passenger logistics, uSky delivers high speeds and performance of transportation (up to 150 km/h and up to 50,000 passengers per hour) and can be established at a fraction of the cost to other solutions with a minimal ecological impact.”
Investment in the design, construction, and certification of uSky’s urban transport and freight facilities in the UAE has already totalled more than US$14 million.
Stage 1. Urban freight and passenger complexes
The first elevated string rail transport project implemented in the MENA region includes both passenger and freight transport options. The rolling stock includes unmanned electric rail vehicles – uCar passenger modules and uCont freight modules – designed to travel on a suspended string rail overpass at speeds of up to 150 km/h off the ground.
The first line of the uSky complex could be expanded in its current location at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) to connect the technology park’s network of training buildings. uSky’s transport solutions are certified for transport infrastructure safety by TUV SW (Standardisation Certification), a provider of services in the area of certification, as well as quality, security and sustainability solutions.
Stage 2. uSky’s technology platform and high-speed intercity transport
The second stage is the deployment of a dedicated technology platform for the piloting and certification of the high-speed uSky line, in which rail electric vehicles will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 500 kilometres per hour (up to 600 km/h in the future). At Expo 2020 Dubai, the Unitsky String Technologies is presenting a ready-made hosting solution to participating countries, as well as companies operating in the transport and infrastructure, energy, information, development, agribusiness and other associated and related industries for export to all countries of the world.
Parameters for the deployment of the high-speed uSky technology platform are as follows:
- The required investment for the construction of a high-speed transport (up to 500 km/h) complex for research, demonstration and certification purposes – US$230 million. The length of the test string-rail overpass is from 20 km, while the required land area starts at 100 hectares;
- The investment needed to fully deploy the technology platform with all transport infrastructure and other associated and related technologies equates to US$580 million. The area of the additional land plot is 50+ hectares;
- The term for the construction and certification of the uSky high-speed transport complex (from the start of full-scale financing of the project) is two years;
- The term in which the technology platform will be fully established (from the start of full project financing) is three years;
- The speed of intercity high-speed rail electric vehicles in passenger, freight and cargo-passenger versions, the construction of a pilot site for which is envisaged by the technology platform is 500 km/h. Eventually, the speed will be increased to 600 km/h (using a test track with length of 30 km or more).
- More than 100 research and development activities and related technologies are to be developed within the proposed innovation techno-hub. These include intelligent control systems, coding and high-speed packet data transfer systems, machine vision and machine diagnostics systems, power supply and communication systems, passenger safety and behaviour monitoring systems, dynamics and aerodynamics of high-speed overhead string-rail transport and many more.
With strong demand for urban freight and high-speed intercity transport and infrastructure solutions in various countries around the world, uSky has already received government-level interest for the deployment of the high-speed uSky technology platform in their territory. In addition to the provision of the necessary land and investment capital, further deployment factors include:
- High land costs: uSky takes up an order of magnitude less land for development and reduces construction and operating costs by several times compared to traditional transport solutions. In some versions, the distance between supports can be up to 3 kilometres or more, allowing large obstacles – rivers, lakes, gorges, connecting islands and mountain tops to be crossed in a single span;
- High population density and congestion on existing road infrastructure: uSky solutions avoid large crowds of people in a limited space while allowing high citizen mobility, with passenger volumes capable of reaching up to 50,000 passengers per hour
The company says that it is ready to come to any country interested in implementing a project and developing innovative transport solutions in its territory.
Bikes
DSBK Racing Launches the 2024-2025 Middle East Championship at Dubai Autodrome
The roar of engines and thrill of high-speed action returned to Dubai Autodrome as DSBK Racing proudly launched the much-anticipated DSBK Middle East Championship 2024-2025 on October 26th. The championship opener treated racing fans and families alike to an unforgettable day of adrenaline-pumping action featuring elite riders from around the world. Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and Abdu Rozik, who made a special appearance, added even more excitement to an already electrifying atmosphere.
As the UAE’s premier superbike championship, DSBK Racing has firmly established itself as a leader in the region’s motorsports scene. Attendees experienced heart-stopping competition, family-friendly activities, and free entry and parking, creating an inclusive and dynamic environment for all.
Event Highlights
- Date: October 26, 2024
- Schedule: The day included intense warm-up and qualifying sessions, culminating in two thrilling 12-lap races at 12:00 PM and 2:50 PM.
- Competitors: 20 racers representing a diverse mix of nationalities battled it out on the track.
- Spectator Experience: In addition to the racing, attendees enjoyed live DJ performances, a dedicated children’s play zone, a variety of dining options from food trucks, a fan zone, and opportunities to meet racers and influencers.
2024-2025 Championship Calendar
Round 1: October 26, 2024 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 2: November 10, 2024 – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi (debut event)
Round 3: November 23, 2024 – National Circuit Dubai Autodrome
Round 4: February 2, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 5: April 5, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 6: April 19, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Founder of DSBK Racing and celebrated racer Nasir Syed & Co-Founder Abdul Samee, who has claimed many podium finishes, shared their vision for the championship: “The DSBK Middle East Championship is more than a race. It’s a platform for promoting responsible riding and advancing motorsport culture in the region. Our mission is to make DSBK Racing a fixture on the Middle East motorsports calendar.
DSBK Racing Academy, the UAE’s first-ever Superbike training academy aims to foster the next generation of racing talent by providing comprehensive training programs for aspiring riders. DSBK Racing is committed to building a passionate community of riders, families, and motorsport enthusiasts, offering more than just races but an experience filled with entertainment and education. Fans of motorsport and superbike racing can look forward to Round 2 on November 10, 2024, at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.
Cool Stuff
Animenia Abu Dhabi Festival to Open Doors on 23rd October 2024
Anime enthusiasts, get ready for a five-day immersive experience! The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and BRAG are bringing the inaugural Animenia Abu Dhabi festival to Manarat Al Saadiyat from October 23rd to 27th, 2024. This event promises to be a haven for anime and video game fans, offering a unique blend of entertainment, interactive experiences, and celebrity appearances.
Animenia will feature a diverse range of activities, including:
- Cosplay Extravaganza: Witness the world’s top cosplayers compete for a massive prize pool of over AED 400,000.
- Celebrity Meet-and-Greets: Interact with renowned anime directors, voice actors, manga artists, and video game creators.
- Live Performances: Enjoy a lineup of J-Pop concerts, anime-inspired shows, and captivating performances.
- Interactive Exhibits: Immerse yourself in themed exhibits showcasing iconic scenes and characters from popular anime.
- Gaming and Workshops: Explore a dedicated gaming hub featuring VR zones, Esports, arcade games, and engaging workshops.
The festival will host a stellar lineup of guests, including:
- Legendary Anime Figures: Renowned figures like Yoko Takahashi (Neon Genesis Evangelion), Ryo Horikawa (Dragon Ball, Super Smash Bros), Naoto Ohshima (Sonic the Hedgehog), and more.
- Cosplay Icons: World-class cosplayers from Thailand, Indonesia, France, Latvia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia will be present.
Tickets for Animenia Abu Dhabi are now available with pricing starting at AED 65 for a single weekday pass.
Cool Stuff
Certified Collectibles Group Expands into Middle East
The Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), a company that authenticates and grades comic books, trading cards, coins, paper money and other collectibles, has announced its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of a new office in Dubai. This strategic move underscores CCG’s commitment to the region and its rapidly growing collectibles market.
To spearhead this exciting new chapter, CCG has appointed Arafaat Ali Khan as the Managing Director of its Middle East office. Ali Khan, a well-respected figure in the region’s pop culture and entertainment scene, is the co-founder of the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC), and brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the local market to CCG. Khan’s involvement in the pop culture industry has had a strong influence on the entertainment and collectibles communities in the Middle East.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Arafaat to our team,” said Max Spiegel, President of Certified Collectibles Group. “His impressive expertise and passion for collectibles will be invaluable as we establish our presence in the Middle East. This expansion is a testament to our belief in the region’s potential and our commitment to providing a top-tier service to collectors and enthusiasts here.”
The new Dubai office will serve as a hub for CCG’s operations in the Middle East, offering high-quality grading services for a range of collectible items through their various services including Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), among others. This move marks the first time a leading international grading company of CCG’s calibre has set up operations in the region, reflecting the growing interest and investment in collectibles across the Middle East.
“As an avid collector myself, I am honoured to join CCG and lead the company’s efforts in the Middle East,” said Arafaat Ali Khan. “The region has a vibrant and enthusiastic collecting community, and I am excited to be part of another first at CCG by providing exceptional services and support to collectors and dealers here. This is an exciting time for the industry, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and success.”