Dubai’s (RTA) has launched a comprehensive technical and economic review of the the underground transit network being co-developed with . The project, known as Dubai Loop, is being positioned as a key component of the emirate’s future mobility architecture.
Key facets of the review and mobility strategy
- The first phase of the Dubai Loop covers a 17-kilometre underground network with 11 stations, targeting a capacity of around 20,000 passengers per hour.
- The RTA is also evaluating a portfolio of other next-gen mobility solutions including trackless trams (electric trams operating on regular roads), rail bus systems, and suspended transport units.
- Safety, efficiency, and sustainability are highlighted as central criteria in the evaluation process. RTA emphasised that any new transport mode must integrate well with the existing network.
- The Dubai Loop is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026, subject to technical, regulatory, and feasibility outcomes.
Implications and strategic context
- The initiative reflects Dubai’s ambition to alleviate surface congestion, especially given extreme weather conditions, since underground transit is less impacted by sandstorms or heat.
- The system is part of a broad mobility ecosystem: it will link with existing public transport (metro, buses, autonomous / electric taxis, aerial or suspended systems).
- The review seeks to ensure that new modes are economically viable, technically feasible (tunnel safety, ventilation, emergency systems), and able to integrate in a coordinated way with traffic management systems.
Outlook for residents and commuters
If the project proceeds as planned, commuters could see faster underground commutes across busy areas, smoother multimodal connectivity, reduction of travel times, and a more weather-resilient transport option. The integration of other systems like autonomous buses or trackless trams would further diversify mobility options.