Dubai Partners with Musk’s Boring Company to Build High-Speed Underground ‘Loop’ Transit

email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Dubai: Dubai is moving forward with a new underground passenger transport project known as the Dubai Loop, developed through a partnership between The Boring Company and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The agreement was signed during the World Governments Summit 2026, with the project focusing on high-speed, point-to-point travel below ground using electric vehicles operating inside dedicated tunnels.

Unlike traditional metro systems, the Loop is designed as an express network, allowing passengers to travel directly to their destination without intermediate stops. Officials say the system aims to reduce congestion in high-density areas and improve first-and last-mile connectivity between major destinations.

Pilot route and expansion plans

The first phase of the Dubai Loop will cover 6.4 kilometres and include four stations, linking the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) with Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa area. Construction is expected to begin following final design approvals, with delivery estimated at around one year.

The full network is planned to extend 22.5 kilometres, featuring 19 stations stretching toward the Dubai World Trade Centre and Business Bay. The expanded phase is projected to take approximately three years to complete.

Stations will be compact, enabling more access points across busy districts. Tunnels will measure 3.6 metres in diameter and are designed specifically for vehicle movement, using high-speed boring techniques intended to reduce surface disruption and lower construction costs compared with traditional metro systems.

Capacity, cost and safety

The pilot route is estimated to cost around $154 million, while the full system is projected at approximately $545 million.

RTA studies suggest the initial phase could carry 13,000 passengers per day, rising to around 30,000 daily passengers once the full network is completed.

Safety systems include round-the-clock operations monitoring, emergency exits, fire detection and ventilation systems, lighting, and camera coverage. Project materials note that the use of electric vehicles reduces internal ignition risks compared with conventional rail systems.

What officials said

The RTA said the Dubai Loop supports the emirate’s vision for advanced mobility solutions and stronger global partnerships, with a focus on smoother travel and better integration between transport modes.

Steve Davis, President of The Boring Company, said the partnership aims to deliver “safe and efficient tunnelling solutions” aligned with Dubai’s long-term transport strategy.

Project background

In 2025, RTA and The Boring Company signed an initial study agreement covering soil analysis, infrastructure mapping, and safety planning. The latest agreement marks the transition from studies to full implementation.

Dubai will become the second city after California to adopt this tunnel-based transport model, with attention now focused on the pilot phase and its performance under real-world traffic conditions.