Dubai’s futuristic underground transport system is one step closer to becoming a reality
Dubai’s underground transport project, the Dubai Loop, was first announced at the World Government Summit 2025. Designed to move people quickly across the city, the system will serve some of Dubai’s most densely populated areas.
A few months later, in October, officials revealed the project could begin operating as early as 2026. The 17km network will feature 11 stations and is expected to carry more than 20,000 passengers per hour.
Now, a year after the initial announcement, there’s a fresh update: two locations for the transport system have been confirmed.
According to Matar Al Tayer, Director General of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the service will begin in areas of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Mall. According to an article by Khaleej Times, it will cost Dh2.5 billion.
The system is being developed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in partnership with The Boring Company, founded by Musk.
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But how will it work?
The Dubai Loop will let passengers travel directly to their destination without stopping at every station along the way.
The tunnels will be built using advanced Boring technology that allows faster construction at a lower cost compared to traditional tunneling methods.
The RTA has said that the system will have minimal impact on existing roads and infrastructure while still providing a major boost to citywide transport efficiency.
Why it matters
Dubai’s roads are among the busiest in the region, and the city’s growing population means traffic is a constant challenge. The Dubai Loop aims to take thousands of cars off the road each day by offering a fast, reliable and weatherproof alternative.
A step towards the future
The Dubai Loop forms part of the emirate’s long-term plan to create a smarter, more sustainable transport network. With Elon Musk’s Boring Company and Dubai’s RTA working together, the city could soon become one of the first in the world to bring this cutting-edge transit concept to life.
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