Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the US-based The Boring Company on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2026 to begin implementation of a passenger transport tunnel project in Dubai, branded Dubai Loop.
The agreement was signed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, and James Fitzgerald, Global Vice President of Business Development at The Boring Company, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.
Dubai to build 6.4 km pilot tunnel route linking DIFC and Dubai Mall
Under the agreement, the first phase of the project will begin with the construction of a 6.4-kilometre pilot route comprising four stations, linking the Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Mall.
This phase will serve as the basis for expansion into the full project alignment, which will extend up to 22.2 kilometres and include 19 stations, connecting Dubai World Trade Centre and the financial district with Business Bay.
The Dubai Loop project involves the construction of tunnels with a diameter of 3.6 metres, dedicated to vehicle transport. The tunnels will be developed using tunnelling technologies aimed at faster delivery, lower construction costs, and reduced impact on existing roads and utilities when compared with conventional transport systems.
The cost of implementing the first phase is estimated at AED565 million, with an anticipated delivery period of around one year following the completion of design works and required preparations. The total cost of the full route is estimated at approximately AED2 billion, with an expected implementation period of around three years.
Project capacity estimated at 30,000 passengers per day
“The project represents a qualitative addition to Dubai’s transport ecosystem, as it enhances integration between different mobility modes and provides flexible and efficient first- and last-mile solutions. Studies have demonstrated the project’s efficiency in terms of capacity and operating costs, with the pilot route expected to serve around 13,000 passengers per day, while the full route is projected to have a total capacity of approximately 30,000 passengers per day,” Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA said in a statement.
“The signing of the agreement is in line with the directives of the wise leadership to strengthen strategic partnerships with leading global companies in the fields of innovation and advanced technologies. The agreement supports efforts to further cement Dubai’s position among the world’s leading cities in the deployment of future mobility solutions and the adoption of advanced technologies that contribute to enhancing the quality of life and facilitating the movement of residents and visitors across the Emirate, while keeping pace with its rapid urban and economic growth,” he added.
Full Dubai Loop route to span 22.2 km with 19 stations
“We are proud to partner with the RTA, one of the world’s leading entities in adopting innovative solutions in the transport sector. Through this partnership, we look forward to delivering advanced, safe, and highly efficient tunnelling solutions that support Dubai’s vision for sustainable and future mobility,” Steve Davis, President of The Boring Company explained.
During the 2025 World Governments Summit, Dubai’s RTA signed an agreement with The Boring Company to study the implementation of the project in Dubai.
As part of the study phase, the RTA provided the company with geotechnical data, information on utilities and structures, environmental risk assessments, and transport system specifications and standards used in Dubai.
The Boring Company submitted technical studies, safety information, and development details related to the system and proposed alignments, working with international consultancies and under the supervision of financial and legal advisers, to identify the optimal partnership model for the project.
