Dubai Loop to stretch 24km, carry 13,000 passengers daily
First phase to serve DIFC and Dubai Mall commuters
DUBAI – Dubai is set to begin construction of its revolutionary underground transport system, the Dubai Loop, marking the emirate as the second city globally to adopt this technology after Las Vegas.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the World Government Summit 2026 by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The first phase of the project will serve the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Mall, with a total investment of Dh2.5 billion.
“Dubai Loop is an iconic project that embodies Dubai’s vision of smart transportation,” Al Tayer said. The initiative was first unveiled last year during the summit when RTA signed a memorandum of understanding with Elon Musk’s The Boring Company, which pioneered the tunnel-based system.
Phase one
The first phase will cover approximately six kilometres and is expected to cost Dh600 million, while the full network will span 24 kilometres. The tunnels will link key commercial, residential, and tourist hubs, including Burj Khalifa, improving first- and last-mile connectivity across the city. The system is designed to transport around 13,000 passengers daily in its initial configuration.
Al Tayer highlighted the efficiency of the Boring Company’s tunnelling method, which allows a gradual descent and straight-track alignment, reducing construction time and costs. “The cost per kilometre using this technology is around Dh70 million, compared to Dh125 million for conventional road construction,” he noted.
Dubai Loop
The Dubai Loop will feature both surface and tunnel stations, supporting seamless end-to-end journeys across the city. By connecting major districts and easing congestion, the system aims to enhance Dubai’s urban mobility network and reinforce the city’s commitment to smart and sustainable transportation solutions.
Construction of the first phase is expected to be completed within two years, with subsequent stages accelerated once the initial segment is operational. The project represents a significant step in Dubai’s broader vision of developing innovative, technology-driven urban infrastructure.