Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority last month (February) signed a strategic partnership agreement with the US-based The Boring Company, a specialist in advanced tunnel systems and innovative passenger transport solutions, to start work on a cutting-edge passenger transport tunnel project in Dubai, branded Dubai Loop.

The project will deploy advanced technologies designed to transform Dubai’s mobility ecosystem, while enhancing transport efficiency and ensuring smoother traffic movement in high-density urban areas.

The agreement was signed by Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General and Chairman, and James Fitzgerald, Global Vice President of Business Development at The Boring Company on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026.

Under the agreement, implementation of the first phase of the project will commence with the construction of a 6.4-km pilot route, comprising four stations and linking the Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Mall. 

This phase will pave the way for expansion into the full project alignment, which will extend up to 22.2 km and include 19 stations, connecting Dubai World Trade Centre and the financial district with Business Bay.

Dubai Loop project involves the construction of tunnels with a diameter of 3.6 m, dedicated to vehicle transport. The tunnels will be developed using advanced tunnelling technologies that enable faster delivery, lower construction costs, and reduced impact on existing roads and utilities compared with conventional transport systems.

The cost of implementing the first phase of the route is estimated at AED565 million ($153.85 million), with an anticipated delivery period of around one year following the completion of design works and required preparations (see also Page 24).