Dubai Unveils Ambitious Underground Transport Network to Reshape Urban Mobility

Dubai is set to revolutionize its transportation landscape with plans for a new, integrated underground network designed to move people, goods, and services. Mattar Al Tayer, director general of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), announced the initiative as part of a larger strategy to transform mobility both above and below the city's surface. A dedicated RTA team is currently evaluating the proposed system, which could significantly alter Dubai's transport infrastructure.

Mr. Al Tayer envisions a future where mobility transcends traditional roads and public transport, operating across three dimensions: ground, sky, and underground. This ambitious project aims to foster a more cohesive and innovative transport ecosystem while reclaiming surface areas for enhanced green spaces, pedestrian zones, and social hubs. "Through this transformation, we are redefining how space is used, opening up new opportunities for investment and prosperity, while enabling mobility that is more efficient and sustainable," stated Mr. Al Tayer.

Currently, Dubai witnesses over 11 million daily journeys on its roads, equating to more than 7,000 journeys per minute. With more than six million people navigating the city during daylight hours, a figure projected to double by 2040, the emirate is proactively planning for future demand. This forward-thinking approach aligns with a core principle attributed to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai: to create the future rather than merely anticipate it.

The RTA also has a target for 25% of all journeys in Dubai to be autonomous by 2030. Demonstrating progress, autonomous taxis have already logged over four million kilometers in a year. Furthermore, Dubai is advancing towards commercial urban air mobility, with its first air taxi station slated to open this year. These infrastructure investments have already yielded substantial economic benefits, with savings exceeding Dh319 billion and contributing Dh156 billion to the economy.

This underground network announcement follows other recent transport projects focusing on subterranean solutions. Earlier this year, The National reported on the Dubai Loop, a high-speed underground transport system being developed by the government in collaboration with Elon Musk's Boring Company, aimed at alleviating city congestion. The RTA confirmed that the initial phase of this underground project, connecting DIFC with Dubai Mall using autonomous Tesla cars, is estimated to cost Dh565 million ($153.8 million). The first four stations are planned for Burj Khalifa, DIFC 2, Zabeel Dubai Mall Parking, and ICD Brookfield Place. The complete network is expected to span 22km with 19 stations, at an estimated final cost of approximately Dh2 billion.

These developments are driven by the need to accommodate Dubai's rapidly growing population, which recently surpassed 4.5 million by the end of 2025, marking a 7.5% year-on-year increase. The Boring Company's plans to construct 150km of tunnels in the Emirates, following a $3 billion funding round led by the UAE, and its recent agreement with Abu Dhabi to explore underground transport and utility tunnels, underscore the region's commitment to subterranean infrastructure.