Dubai is set to become the first city outside of the United States to implement a futuristic underground transit system from The Boring Company, with the initial phase of the “Dubai Loop” expected to launch by the second quarter of 2026. The landmark project was announced by Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, positioning the emirate at the forefront of next-generation urban mobility.
The GITEX 2025 Announcement
The major reveal came during GITEX 2025, Dubai’s influential annual technology conference, where Minister Al Olama confirmed the ambitious timeline. The announcement underscores Dubai’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge infrastructure to solve urban challenges. Following its pilot project in Las Vegas,
The Boring Company’s expansion into Dubai marks a significant milestone for the firm and a major validation of its high-speed tunneling technology on a global stage. The project is backed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), signaling strong government support to ensure its timely execution.
A High-Speed Solution to Urban Congestion
The Dubai Loop is designed to be a new layer of rapid micro-transit to alleviate the city’s growing traffic congestion and provide a climate-controlled travel alternative. The first phase will feature a 17-kilometer tunnel network with 11 stations connecting key commercial and residential hubs. Using small, autonomous electric vehicles, the system aims to transport up to 20,000 passengers per hour at speeds reaching 160 km/h. This zero-emission solution promises to drastically reduce commute times, turning 30-60 minute journeys into mere minutes while avoiding the extreme summer heat on the surface.
Dubai’s Vision for Future Mobility
This project aligns seamlessly with Dubai’s broader strategic goals, including the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and the Smart Mobility Vision 2040, which aims to make 25% of all trips autonomous. The Dubai Loop complements other advanced mobility initiatives being tested in the emirate, such as air taxi services and AI-driven public transport. By investing in such pioneering infrastructure, Dubai is cementing its reputation as a living laboratory for the future of transportation and a global capital for innovation.
About The Boring Company
Founded in 2016 by Elon Musk, The Boring Company is an American infrastructure and tunnel construction services company with a mission to solve urban traffic congestion by creating a network of safe, fast-to-dig, and low-cost transportation tunnels. The company’s vision is to enable high-speed, zero-emission travel in electric vehicles through underground loops. Its first operational project, the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Loop, serves as a working prototype, transporting passengers in Tesla vehicles across the convention campus.
Source: Tech in Asia
