What To Know
- Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), confirmed that the agreement with the Boring Company was signed around 10 months ago, with execution expected within one to two years.
- Dubai is set to begin construction on the first phase of the Dubai Loop, a futuristic underground transport project developed in partnership with Elon Musk’s Boring Company, with an initial investment of approximately Dh565 million ($153.
- The project was announced less than a year ago by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and is expected to significantly enhance the emirate’s urban mobility network by linking major commercial, residential and tourist hubs through underground tunnels.
Dubai is set to begin construction on the first phase of the Dubai Loop, a futuristic underground transport project developed in partnership with Elon Musk’s Boring Company, with an initial investment of approximately Dh565 million ($153.85 million).
The project was announced less than a year ago by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and is expected to significantly enhance the emirate’s urban mobility network by linking major commercial, residential and tourist hubs through underground tunnels.
Construction Timeline and Vision
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), confirmed that the agreement with the Boring Company was signed around 10 months ago, with execution expected within one to two years.
“Dubai Loop is an iconic project that embodies Dubai’s vision of smart transportation. It is an innovative and sustainable solution,” Al Tayer said.
First Phase: 6.4km Pilot Route With Four Stations
Dubai will become the second city in the world after California to implement the tunnel-based transport system pioneered by the Boring Company.
The first phase will consist of a 6.4-kilometre pilot route, featuring four stations connecting Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.
This initial phase will serve as the foundation for the wider project, which is planned to extend up to 22.2 kilometres and include 19 stations, eventually linking Dubai World Trade Centre, the financial district and Business Bay.
The pilot stage is expected to cost Dh565 million, while the full project is estimated at Dh2 billion, with an overall implementation period of around three years.
Image: Government of Dubai Media Office/Website
How the Dubai Loop Works
The Dubai Loop relies on a network of underground tunnels, featuring both surface-level and tunnel stations, designed to enable seamless, end-to-end journeys.
“With Dubai Loop, the journey begins in a holistic way and in an unprecedented manner,” Al Tayer said. “The project connects the most important commercial, residential and touristic areas with the most active zones in the city.”
The tunnels will have a diameter of 3.6 metres and will be dedicated to vehicle transport. Advanced tunnelling technologies will be used to allow faster construction, lower costs and reduced disruption to existing roads and utilities compared to traditional transport systems.
More Cost-Effective Than Metro Tunnels
Al Tayer highlighted the significant cost advantage of the Boring Company’s technology compared to conventional metro tunnel construction.
“The cost difference is significant,” he said, noting that Loop tunnels are substantially cheaper per kilometre than metro tunnels.
The tunnelling process also differs from traditional methods, allowing for a gradual descent before transitioning into straight-line excavation, improving construction efficiency and speed.
Passenger Capacity and Connectivity
The pilot route is expected to serve approximately 13,000 passengers per day, helping to address key first- and last-mile connectivity challenges in busy central areas.
Once fully operational, the entire Dubai Loop network is projected to handle up to 30,000 passengers daily.
The project is designed to enhance integration between different modes of transport and provide a flexible, efficient solution for short-distance urban travel.
Reinforcing Dubai’s Transport Ambitions
Al Tayer said the project further reinforces Dubai’s credibility in delivering ambitious initiatives announced at global platforms such as the World Governments Summit.
“The majority of projects announced at the summit have either been implemented or are under execution,” he said.
Construction of the first phase is expected to be completed within two years, with plans in place to accelerate subsequent stages once the initial segment becomes operational.
Cover Image: Government of Dubai Media Office/Website
