Frequently Asked Questions on Dubai Loop

What exactly is the RTA Dubai Loop?

The Dubai Loop is a new underground urban transport system commissioned by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Unlike a traditional subway, it utilizes a network of tunnels (3.6 meters in diameter) dedicated to autonomous electric vehicles that transport passengers directly to their destination without intermediate stops.

Which areas will Phase 1 of the Dubai Loop connect?

The initial “Pilot Phase” spans 6.4 kilometers and connects the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) with Dubai Mall. It features four underground stations designed to ease traffic in this high-congestion corridor.

When is the Dubai Loop expected to open?

While an exact opening date hasn’t been set, the RTA has announced that the implementation of Phase 1 will commence immediately. The construction of the pilot route is estimated to take approximately one year following the completion of final designs.

Is the Dubai Loop a train or a car system?

It is neither a train nor a standard road. It is a “point-to-point” system using electric vehicles (likely pods or sedans similar to Tesla vehicles) that travel inside dedicated tunnels. This allows for continuous movement without the delays of traffic lights or station stops.

How fast will the vehicles travel in the Dubai Loop?

The system is designed for high-speed urban travel. While specific operational speeds for Dubai are yet to be finalized, the technology (based on The Boring Company’s Loop in Las Vegas) is capable of speeds up to 150 km/h (93 mph), though urban loops typically operate between 60–100 km/h to ensure passenger comfort.

Who is building the Dubai Loop?

The project is a partnership between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and The Boring Company, an American infrastructure services company founded by Elon Musk, known for its fast-to-dig tunneling technology.

How is this different from the “URB Loop” (The Green Spine)?

This is a common confusion. The RTA Dubai Loop is an underground vehicular transport system. The URB Loop (often just called “THE LOOP”) is a separate conceptual proposal for a 93km climate-controlled cycling and walking highway. They are two completely different projects.

How much will the project cost to build?

Phase 1 (the pilot route) is estimated to cost approximately AED 565 million. The full 22.2km network, once completed, is projected to cost around AED 2 billion.

What are the benefits of the smaller 3.6m tunnels?

Standard metro tunnels are much larger and more expensive to dig. The Dubai Loop’s 3.6-meter-diameter tunnels are faster to construct, cost significantly less, and cause minimal disruption to existing building foundations and utilities in dense areas like Downtown Dubai.

What is the capacity of the Dubai Loop?

The pilot route (Phase 1) is expected to accommodate roughly 13,000 passengers per day. Once the full 19-station network is operational, capacity is projected to rise to 30,000+ passengers per day, serving as a vital relief valve for surface traffic.