Dubai Loop: 6.4km pilot to cut travel time from 20 to three minutes
First phase to serve 13,000 passengers daily initially
DUBAI – Dubai is set to embark on a transformative journey in urban mobility with the construction of the Dubai Loop, an innovative underground transport project developed in partnership with Elon Musk’s Boring Company.
The system is designed to move people efficiently through electric vehicles, without the need for private cars. Senior officials confirm that the Loop will operate as a people mover, connecting key business, residential, and tourist hubs across the city while bypassing surface traffic congestion.
The first phase of construction is expected to begin immediately, marking the start of a project that could redefine commuting in Dubai. Covering a 6.4-kilometre pilot route, the initial stage will link the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) with Dubai Mall, reducing travel times from around 20 minutes to approximately three minutes.
People-only transit
Unlike traditional road networks, Dubai Loop will not allow private cars. Hamad Alshehhi, Director of the Roads Department at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), explained that passengers will book trips from designated stations, and electric vehicles will transport them directly to their destinations through dedicated tunnels. “You don’t drive in the Loop. You just utilise the service,” Alshehhi said.
The vehicles will initially be operated manually, with autonomous electric vehicles planned for later phases once regulatory approvals are secured. The system will be accessible to both residents and tourists, ensuring seamless integration with Dubai’s broader public transport network.
Tunnel design
The tunnels, with a diameter of 3.6 metres, are specifically built for vehicle transport and are not connected to the conventional road network. Advanced tunnelling technologies will be employed, enabling faster construction, lower costs, and reduced disruption to existing infrastructure. The construction method also allows a gradual descent before entering straight-line excavation, which improves efficiency and speed.
The Boring Company, responsible for implementing the system, will deliver the tunnels using methods that are considerably cheaper than traditional metro tunnels, while maintaining high standards of safety and operational efficiency.
Phase One timeline
The first phase of the Dubai Loop will include four stations along the 6.4-kilometre pilot route, serving areas including DIFC, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall. This segment is expected to serve around 13,000 passengers per day and will pave the way for the full network.
The total project is expected to span over 22 kilometres, connecting 19 stations across commercial and business districts such as Dubai World Trade Centre, Business Bay, and the financial district. Full implementation is estimated at Dh2 billion, with completion expected within three years.
Investment and capacity
The initial 6.4-kilometre phase will involve an investment of Dh565 million ($153.85 million). Once completed, the entire Dubai Loop network is projected to transport approximately 30,000 passengers daily, providing a high-capacity solution for first- and last-mile connectivity.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA, highlighted that the project will integrate seamlessly with Dubai’s existing transport ecosystem, providing flexible solutions for commuters and tourists alike. He added that the Loop enhances the city’s reputation for adopting cutting-edge technologies and delivering ambitious projects showcased at platforms such as the World Governments Summit.
Dubai Loop-The Boring Company
The Dubai Loop marks a strategic collaboration between RTA and The Boring Company. The agreement, signed in the presence of senior officials from both entities, follows a year-long study phase that assessed technical, operational, and environmental feasibility.
Steve Davis, President of The Boring Company, said the company is proud to bring its tunnelling expertise to Dubai, delivering advanced, safe, and efficient systems to support the emirate’s vision for sustainable urban mobility.
Future expansion
The phased approach allows Dubai authorities to monitor operational performance before expanding the network. Once fully operational, the Dubai Loop will not only reduce congestion on city roads but also offer a model for high-capacity, sustainable underground transport that could inspire other cities globally.