Dubai Signs MoU with Elon Musk’s The Boring Company to Develop Underground Transport System

Dubai has entered into an initial agreement with Elon Musk’s The Boring Company to explore the development of the Dubai Loop, a cutting-edge underground transit system designed to revolutionize urban mobility. The agreement was formalized at the World Government Summit on February 14, 2025, in the presence of Dubai’s Crown Prince.

Background

Dubai’s road network frequently experiences heavy congestion, particularly during rush hours, with major routes such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, and Emirates Road facing significant traffic delays. Despite continuous efforts to expand infrastructure and implement advanced traffic management strategies, congestion remains a pressing issue due to the city’s rapid population growth and increasing vehicle ownership.

While Dubai boasts a modern public transportation system, many residents still prefer private vehicles due to high temperatures, limited metro connectivity in certain areas, and the overall convenience of personal transport. Neighborhoods such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai South, and Al Barari lack direct metro access, making taxis or private cars the preferred commuting options. Although feeder buses and ride-hailing services like Careem and Uber are available, reliance on road-based transport continues to contribute to congestion and carbon emissions.

Additionally, toll gates (Salik) regulate traffic flow but increase daily commuting costs. Parking in key areas such as Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Dubai Marina remains expensive and limited, further complicating urban mobility.

Project Overview

The Dubai Loop project will initially feature a 17-kilometer underground tunnel network with 11 strategically located stations, capable of transporting over 20,000 passengers per hour using autonomous electric vehicles. These vehicles will operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph), offering a fast, efficient, and climate-controlled commuting solution.

Future expansions aim to increase passenger capacity to over 100,000 per hour and connect more than 100 stations across Dubai. Inspired by The Boring Company’s Las Vegas Loop, the project seeks to reduce traffic congestion and maximize urban space by shifting transportation underground. The use of electric vehicles aligns with Dubai’s sustainability goals, reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly mobility solutions.

The Future of Urban Mobility in Dubai

The collaboration between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and The Boring Company represents a significant step toward advancing urban transportation. As the project progresses, it is expected to position Dubai as a global leader in innovative, efficient, and sustainable transport infrastructure.

By addressing long-standing traffic challenges at a micro level, the Dubai Loop has the potential to redefine mobility standards and serve as a model for cities worldwide., and technological advancement. As sustainability becomes an increasingly critical global priority, the UAE’s visionary approach ensures its continued leadership in sustainable development, setting an example for nations worldwide.