Elon Musk's Boring Company Expands UAE Footprint with Major 150km Tunnel Project

Elon Musk's Boring Company has announced plans to construct 150 kilometres of tunnels across the Emirates following a successful $3 billion funding round led by the UAE. This development strengthens the ongoing partnership between the company and the UAE, building upon the initial collaboration on the Dubai Loop project.

The strategic investment aims to accelerate the deployment of extensive underground infrastructure throughout the country. Construction on the Dubai Loop, a high-speed underground transport network designed to ease urban congestion, is already underway following reports by The National in May.

Led by the government in partnership with The Boring Company, the Dubai Loop is scheduled to begin operations within two years. According to Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, the first phase will cost Dh565 million ($153.8 million) and will utilize autonomous Tesla cars to connect DIFC with Dubai Mall. The initial four stations will be located at Burj Khalifa, DIFC 2, Zabeel Dubai Mall Parking, and ICD Brookfield Place.

Upon completion, the network will span 22 kilometres and feature 19 stations, with an estimated final cost of approximately Dh2 billion. Set to open in 2028, the project will reduce travel time between DIFC and Dubai Mall from 20 minutes to just three minutes. Fleets of bookable electric vehicles running through 3.6-metre-wide tunnels are expected to transport over 13,000 daily passengers initially, eventually scaling up to 30,000.

This initiative is part of a broader push to expand Dubai's underground public transport system. Additional infrastructure projects include the Dh34 billion Metro Gold Line unveiled in April, which will feature 18 stations across 42 kilometres and open on September 9, 2032. Furthermore, the Dh20.5 billion Blue Line is set to launch in September 2029, featuring 14 stations to connect growing neighbourhoods such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai International City.

These urban transit developments are designed to integrate seamlessly with the Etihad Rail passenger line. Following the launch of the Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route, additional stations such as Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai and others across Sharjah and Al Dhafra are slated to open, with network passenger numbers projected to hit 36 million by 2030.