Sheikh Mohammed reviews Dubai Loop and Glydways at World Governments Summit 2026
Underground tunnels to reshape urban passenger movement
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed two future mobility initiatives, the Dubai Loop and Glydways projects, during his visit to the Roads and Transport Authority stand at the World Governments Summit 2026.
The projects are designed to strengthen Dubai’s public transport ecosystem while advancing smart and sustainable mobility solutions across the emirate. Both initiatives place a strong emphasis on improving first and last mile connectivity in high-density urban areas.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The delegation was briefed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, who outlined the technical features of the projects and their role in supporting an integrated transport system powered by innovation and future technologies.
On the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2026, RTA signs an agreement with Glydways launching the emirate’s first automated programme for an Automated Transit Network (ATN). @glydways I @rta_dubai pic.twitter.com/hepHvrPuzc
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 4, 2026
Dubai Loop
The Dubai Loop project is an underground passenger transport network designed to improve mobility across the emirate through advanced tunnelling technologies. The system is intended to reduce congestion in densely populated areas while ensuring efficient connections to major destinations. According to the RTA, the project is planned for rapid implementation and aims to minimise disruption to existing roads and utility services.
The first phase of Dubai Loop will cover a 6.4 km route with four stations, linking the Financial District with Dubai Mall. This initial stage is expected to serve as the foundation for the full network, which will extend up to 22.2 km and include 19 stations. Once completed, the alignment will connect the Trade Centre and Financial Districts with Business Bay, creating a seamless underground corridor for passenger movement.
Officials highlighted that the system has been designed to support high passenger throughput while maintaining cost efficiency, making it suitable for future expansion as Dubai’s urban footprint continues to grow.
Glydways system
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the Glydways project, Dubai’s first automated Autonomous Transit Network programme. The system introduces a new model of smart mobility that complements the existing public transport network while offering a dedicated solution for first and last mile travel.
Glydways operates autonomous electric vehicles on narrow, dedicated guideways that function independently of road traffic. The network provides an on-demand, 24/7 service, enabling passengers to travel directly from origin to destination without intermediate stops. This point-to-point model is designed to reduce journey times, particularly in dense urban environments.
Each Glydways vehicle accommodates between four and six passengers and runs entirely on electric power. The vehicles have a range of up to 250 km per charge and can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. The system complies with approved public transport safety standards and incorporates multiple redundancy mechanisms to ensure operational reliability.
According to RTA briefings, the Glydways system can reduce capital costs by up to 90 percent and operating costs by up to 70 percent compared with conventional transport modes. The infrastructure allows for rapid and flexible deployment, making it suitable for phased development across different parts of the city.
The project can also be implemented through public-private partnership models, enhancing investment efficiency while supporting Dubai’s long-term sustainability objectives. Officials noted that the modular nature of the system allows it to be adapted to varying urban requirements without extensive construction.
World Governments Summit
Mattar Al Tayer stated that the Dubai Loop and Glydways projects reflect the leadership’s vision to position Dubai as a global hub for innovative mobility solutions. He noted that both initiatives contribute to improving quality of life while supporting the emirate’s urban development and economic growth.
Also present during the visit were Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Organisation, along with senior ministers and officials.
The World Governments Summit 2026 brings together more than 60 heads of state and government and their deputies, over 500 ministers, and representatives from more than 150 governments. The summit also hosts over 80 international and regional organisations, more than 700 chief executive officers from global institutions and companies, and over 6,250 attendees from around the world.