Dubai moves ahead with underground Loop transport plan

Dubai has moved to kick off the first phase of the Dubai Loop, an underground high-speed transport network to be built by Elon Musk’s Boring Company, marking one of the most ambitious urban mobility projects announced by the emirate. The initial phase is set to begin immediately, according to a statement by a senior transport official, signalling a rapid transition from concept to execution.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, said the project will span 24 kilometres across the city at an estimated total cost of nearly 2.5 billion dirhams, equivalent to about $681 million. The first phase alone will cover six kilometres, with an allocation of roughly 600 million dirhams, and construction is expected to commence without delay.

The plan places Dubai among a small group of cities experimenting with underground, point-to-point transport systems designed to relieve surface congestion and shorten travel times in dense urban corridors. Dubai advances underground Loop transport was how officials framed the initiative, emphasising its role in the emirate’s long-term mobility strategy rather than as a standalone technology showcase.

The Dubai Loop is based on tunnel systems developed by the Boring Company, founded by Elon Musk, which use electric vehicles operating in dedicated underground corridors. The concept aims to bypass surface traffic altogether, allowing passengers to travel directly between stations at high speeds. While the company has already built and operated similar systems in parts of the United States, the Dubai project would represent its most extensive deployment outside North America.

Officials said the Loop is intended to complement existing public transport infrastructure rather than replace it. Dubai already operates one of the region’s most advanced metro systems, along with extensive tram and bus networks. Transport planners argue that an underground Loop could address specific bottlenecks, particularly in high-density commercial and residential zones where expanding surface infrastructure is increasingly complex and disruptive.

Urban mobility specialists note that underground systems of this kind offer potential advantages in cities with extreme weather conditions. By operating below ground, the Loop could provide climate-controlled travel that reduces exposure to heat and sandstorms, while also limiting the visual and environmental impact associated with elevated roads or rail lines. At the same time, experts caution that tunnelling costs, integration with existing utilities, and long-term maintenance remain critical challenges that can determine whether such systems scale beyond pilot phases.

The financial structure outlined by the Roads and Transport Authority suggests a phased investment approach, allowing the city to assess performance before committing the full 24-kilometre budget. A total cost of 2.5 billion dirhams places the Loop well below the price of heavy rail projects of comparable length, though analysts point out that per-kilometre costs can rise depending on geological conditions and station complexity.

Dubai’s decision to proceed reflects a broader trend among global cities exploring alternative transit technologies as urban populations grow and road congestion worsens. High-speed underground networks, autonomous shuttles and on-demand transport models are increasingly being tested as supplements to conventional metros and buses. Supporters argue that such systems can be deployed faster and with greater flexibility, while critics question whether they can move passenger volumes comparable to mass transit.

For the Boring Company, the Dubai Loop represents a significant international endorsement at a time when governments are scrutinising infrastructure spending and demanding clearer evidence of long-term value. Successful delivery in Dubai could strengthen the company’s position as a viable contractor for similar projects elsewhere, particularly in rapidly growing cities across the Middle East and Asia.