Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled plans last month for two cutting-edge transit systems that aim to revolutionise its urban mobility landscape: the RailBus and the Dubai Loop.

The RTA has signed an agreement with American billionaire Elon Musk’s The Boring Company to explore the development of the ‘Dubai Loop’ transport project.

This partnership was announced on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai last month.

A 17 km-long underground transport system, Dubai Loop will feature 11 stations, and is designed to transport over 20,000 passengers per hour. The Loop is thought to be similar to the Las Vegas Loop, which runs under the convention centre and allows driverless vehicles to transport people below-ground.

According to The Boring Company, the project will facilitate direct travel to the destination station with no stops in between. The loop will be powered by electric vehicles.

Speaking at the World Governments Summit, via video link, Elon Musk said the project would allow people to travel as if they were moving through a “wormhole” within Dubai, referring to the ability to move instantly between two points without long distances or traffic delays.

The UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Omar Sultan Al Olama, who was hosting the conversation with Musk said: “The Loop project is going to cover Dubai’s most densely populated areas for people to go from point to point in a seamless manner. We hope to change people’s lives.”

Musk emphasised the advantages of tunnel systems over alternatives like flying cars, citing the practicality, safety, and efficiency of tunnels, which are protected from weather and noise, offering a smoother experience for passengers.

The futuristic transportation system will connect major hubs throughout Dubai, cutting travel time between key points in the emirate to just minutes, he added.

RailBus, a future mass transit system powered by solar energy.

RailBus

RTA has also announced plans to introduce a RailBus system, featuring an innovative design, autonomous driving capabilities, and environmentally friendly operations. The sustainable future mass transit system powered by solar energy is designed to redefine urban mobility.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said the system aligns with the UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050, Dubai Net Zero Emissions Public Transport Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Autonomous Transport Strategy 2030, which targets 25 per cent of all trips in Dubai to be autonomous by 2030.

Al Tayer said: “The project reflects RTA’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships and supporting start-ups in developing next-generation autonomous transport systems. RailBus is solar-powered, highly efficient, and cost-effective, integrating with Dubai’s public transport network. It also enhances first and last-mile connectivity, ensuring safe, smooth, and sustainable travel for residents and visitors in urban areas.”

“RailBus carriages have been designed and manufactured using cutting-edge, sustainability-focused technologies. They incorporate high-efficiency components and systems, ensuring maximum safety while reducing energy and maintenance costs. The carriages are built using a scalable design and 3D printing technology, with recyclable materials that contribute to a lighter structure, reducing the overall weight of the carriage to seven tonnes. Each carriage measures 11.5 m in length, 2.6 m in width, and 2.9 m in height, with a capacity of 40 passengers and a maximum speed of 100 km/h. The interior has a modern design, offering spacious passenger areas, comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and onboard Wi-Fi,” he said.

Al Tayer added: “RailBus stands out for its lower infrastructure and operational costs, which are 20-30 per cent lower than comparable transport systems. Additionally, its energy costs are lower due to its reliance on solar power as the primary energy source..”

He further noted that RTA would complete technical studies on the system within the next two years. The next steps will involve identifying the optimal locations for pilot operations to assess its operational efficiency and integration with Dubai’s wider transport network.