Dubai has officially announced its newest venture to combat chronic traffic congestion: the Dubai Loop, a groundbreaking underground transportation project developed in collaboration with Elon Musk's Boring Company. The announcement was made during the World Government Summit (WGS) on February 13, 2025, where Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, expressed excitement about the project, stating, "Today we announce the joint project of Dubai Loop, which is a loop project... We hope to change people's lives."
Musk, speaking virtually from the summit, described the system as akin to traveling through "wormholes" within the city. "It's going to be like a wormhole, you just gonna wormhole from one part of the city, boom, and you're out in another spot city, and it's great," he said, exuding enthusiasm for the innovative approach to urban transport.
The Dubai Loop aims to construct tunnels across some of the most densely populated areas of the emirate, providing quick and efficient travel paths. The partnership seeks to significantly improve urban mobility by enabling residents to commute from point to point seamlessly, addressing the pressing need for modern solutions to traffic woes.
Musk emphasized the advantages of underground transport, particularly its capacity to withstand severe weather challenges and natural disasters such as earthquakes. "One of the safest places to be in an earthquake is an underground tunnel," he pointed out. He reassured attendees about the structural reliability of the tunnels, comparing them to being effectively shielded from external perils.
Previously, Musk had cited instances where underground transport systems, like those in Mexico City, served as sanctuaries during disasters. "Earthquakes are largely a surface phenomenon—think of it like waves on the ocean. If you’re in a tunnel, it’s like being in a submarine during a storm. You’re protected," he added, alluding to the multiple benefits of tunneling beyond mitigating traffic snarls.
During the session, Musk also contrasted the practicality of tunnel transportation with the notion of flying cars, which come with their own set of challenges. He highlighted, "If you have bad weather, like, let's say there's a blizzard or a sandstorm... on the other hand, none of these problems exist with underground travel. So the tunnels are immune to weather...The worst weather doesn't matter." This presents underground systems as not only innovative but also incredibly reliable.
The Dubai Loop is envisioned to follow the framework of the successful Las Vegas Loop, which currently operates beneath the convention center and is set to expand to connect more key locations within the city. Similar to this prior project, the Dubai Loop aims to integrate modern technology to create efficient transit options devoid of traffic delays.
While exact route details and timelines remain undisclosed, both Musk and Al Olama expressed optimism about the project's potential to redefine urban travel. "We look forward to the partnership and we're going to join the first trip, the first pod," Al Olama remarked, signaling their eagerness to see the initiative come to fruition.
The ambition of the Dubai Loop aligns perfectly with the broader vision of Dubai as a smart city, reflecting the emirate's relentless pursuit of innovative solutions to its modern-day challenges. Such initiatives bear the promise of not only easing congestion but also enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents.
While the project is still budding, it marks a definitive step toward revolutionizing public transportation. Musk's emphasis on the benefits of the underground system stands at the forefront of this exciting development, ensuring it will become not just another transport project but integral to the character of Dubai.