In the UAE, where public transport is getting increasingly futuristic (hello, flying taxis and new-gen trains), a hyperloop was only a matter of time. Now, Elon Musk’s Dubai Loop has been announced at the 2025 World Governments Summit in Dubai, with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai entering a memorandum of understanding with Musk's The Boring Company to deliver the high-speed public transport system.
“It's going to be like a wormhole,” said Musk, appearing via video, as His Excellency Omar Al Olama, the UAE Minister of Artificial Intelligence, announced the news. “You just wormhole from one part of the city, boom, and you're out in another part of the city.”
But what is Elon Musk's Dubai Loop and how will it work? As has become a common phenomenon with the X owner's product delivery track record, showmanship often trumps actual information, which is why, we've created this guide for everything you need to know about the Dubai Loop project.
How long will the Dubai Loop Be?
Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, the city has developed pioneering projects and places that offer a window into the future. The hyperloop is the latest in that mission. In it's first phase, Dubai Loop will be 17-kilometres long and be able to move 20,000 passengers per hour. A potential expansion could increase its capacity to 100,000 passengers per hour and offer wider coverage across Dubai.
Where Is Elon Musk’s Home? All the Properties the US Special Government Employee Has Owned
The greatest design stories from AD Middle East, delivered to your inbox
What places will the Dubai Loop connect?
The first phase of Dubai Loop is slated to have 11 stations, but the exact station locations have not yet been revealed. The good news: given its small footprint, a Loop station can be easily integrated into parking garages, residential communities and city centres.
How does the Dubai Loop work?
With the goal of offering fast and sustainable public transport, it will employ electric vehicles travelling along pre-set pathways. Based on Musk's Las Vegas Loop, which has been operational since 2021, expect those EVs to be another Elon Musk product: Tesla cars.
How fast will Dubai Loop be?
Inside the Dubai Loop, it is expected that the electric vehicles will be able to run at speeds up to 100 miles per hour.
How much will it cost to use the Dubai Loop?
Whilst the cost to use Dubai Loop has not been announced yet, keep this in mind: Using the Las Vegas Loop costs $10 for eight-kilometre ride. You cover that distance in five minutes.
What will the Dubai Loop look like?
Based on Las Vegas loop, it is safe to assume that the Dubai Loop's underground tunnel will be a minimal, modernist space, with mood-changing lights and no internal touch hazards. According to The Boring Company's website: “Loop has no internal touch hazards (e.g. a 600 volt third rail), enabling safe evacuation, minimising potential fire sources, and eliminating any dangerous effects of (unlikely) water intrusion.”
Is Elon Musk's Dubai Loop safe?
Based on information available on the company's website, it seems the Dubai Loop will offer a safe mass transport solution. According to the website, not only are the loop tunnels fully illuminated, there is 100% camera coverage; meaning no blind spots. The Tesla cars used as loop vehicles, as well as their passengers, have direct communications to an Operational Control Center. The website also states: “Tesla Model S, 3, X, and Y have achieved NHTSA’s top rating of 5 stars and have the lowest probability of injury among all vehicles tested.”
When will Dubai Loop be ready?
There is no new yet on when the project will break ground. Stay tuned!
The greatest design stories from AD Middle East, delivered to your inbox
