Dubai’s vision for futuristic urban mobility took a major step forward on Tuesday with the announcement of the first phase of the Dubai Loop, an underground transport system that will initially connect DIFC and Dubai Mall.
Speaking at the World Government Summit, RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer revealed that construction for the project will begin shortly, marking Dubai as the second city globally to implement the tunnel-based transport technology pioneered by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company.
Dubbed “Teslas in tunnels,” the Dubai Loop is designed as a network of one-directional underground tunnels linking high-density residential, commercial and tourist destinations. The system aims to provide fast, uninterrupted travel while minimising surface-level disruption.
The complete Dubai Loop network will stretch across 24 kilometres, featuring 19 stations and a projected cost of Dh2.5 billion. The first phase will cover a 6.4-kilometre corridor between DIFC and Dubai Mall, supported by an investment of Dh600 million and four stations.
According to Hamad Alshehhi, Director of Roads Department at RTA, 100 electric vehicles will operate within the tunnels once the system becomes operational. “Travel time between DIFC and Dubai Mall will be reduced from 20 minutes to just three minutes,” he said, adding that the phase could carry up to 13,000 passengers daily.
Al Tayer noted that the tunnelling technology offers significant cost and efficiency benefits, with lower excavation costs and faster construction timelines. While fares have yet to be announced, officials said pricing would be competitive with other transport options.
The Dubai Loop reflects the emirate’s broader strategy to integrate innovative transport solutions that support sustainability, efficiency, and economic growth.
