The past century's sci-fi films didn't get everything about 2020 right. We might be using drones, but not everyone is getting to work in flying pods.
However, a new design for Hong Kong's popular tram network could have the city streets looking like something straight out of Blade Runner.
Ponti Design Studio, a product design company from Hong Kong, has reimagined the city's 115-year-old tram network with some rather futuristic new trains.
Designed in reaction to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Island has been created to offer a solution to public transport that helps maintain social distancing.
Scroll through the gallery above to see more renders of the Island.
The double-decker driverless tram opens on both sides, creating a linear flow of foot traffic, with signage designed to show people how to board.
"We wanted to reimagine public transport in the post-Covid era from a prevention perspective, especially in the densely populated city of Hong Kong, where social distancing is hard to achieve," the studio said in a statement.
Inside, seating can be found in pod-like booths or on benches lining the compartment.
"The name Island references the innovative design of the interiors, where large circular benches facilitate social distancing and passengers sit facing outwards in a radial pattern," the studio added.
The concept also reimagined the stations needed for the new-look trams, with a minimal design and rapid charging dock.
The design isn't just functional; it's also intended to offer views of Hong Kong with its curved windows and domed top, making it as much a tourist attraction as a mode of transport.
The namesake studio is helmed by Andrea Ponti, an Italian-born designer who has collaborated with the likes of Panasonic, Philips and Samsonite.
The tram design is, at this point, purely conceptual, but offers a look at how design, particularly on public transport, may adapt in a post-pandemic world.
"We shouldn’t be dividing and separating, but instead rethinking public spaces with a seamless, integrated and effective design approach," the studio added.
Company%20profile
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Brief scoreline:
Al Wahda 2
Al Menhali 27', Tagliabue 79'
Al Nassr 3
Hamdallah 41', Giuliano 45 1', 62'
World Series
Game 1: Red Sox 8, Dodgers 4
Game 2: Red Sox 4, Dodgers 2
Game 3: Saturday (UAE)
* if needed
Game 4: Sunday
Game 5: Monday
Game 6: Wednesday
Game 7: Thursday
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
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Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
Manchester United v Liverpool
Premier League, kick off 7.30pm (UAE)
Sweet%20Tooth
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Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
UAE v Ireland
1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets
2nd ODI, January 12
3rd ODI, January 14
4th ODI, January 16
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The line up
Friday: Giggs, Sho Madjozi and Masego
Saturday: Nas, Lion Bbae, Roxanne Shante and DaniLeigh
Sole DXB runs from December 6 to 8 at Dubai Design District. Weekend pass is Dh295 while a one day pass is Dh195. Tickets are available from www.soledxb.com
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Defending champions
World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
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UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
more from Janine di Giovanni
Brighton 1
Gross (50' pen)
Tottenham 1
Kane (48)
ANATOMY%20OF%20A%20FALL
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last-16. first leg
Atletico Madrid v Juventus, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
