Sheikh Mohammed Reviews Dubai's Future Mobility: The Dubai Loop and Glydways Projects

Dubai Unveils Next-Generation Transport Initiatives

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently reviewed the ambitious Dubai Loop and Glydways projects. The review took place at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) stand during the World Governments Summit 2026, where Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The initiatives are designed to bolster Dubai's global leadership in smart and sustainable mobility, improve public transit integration, and enhance first- and last-mile connectivity across the emirate.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA, briefed the leadership on the technical features and strategic importance of both projects in advancing Dubai's future transport ecosystem.

The Dubai Loop: An Underground Network for Efficient Travel

The Dubai Loop project envisions a high-capacity underground tunnel network dedicated to passenger transport. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion in densely populated areas, boost mobility efficiency, and ensure seamless connectivity. The system leverages advanced tunneling technologies to facilitate rapid implementation with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure.

Key details of the Dubai Loop include:

• Initial Phase: A 6.4-kilometer (4-mile) pilot route featuring four stations, connecting the Financial District to Dubai Mall. This phase is estimated to cost approximately USD 154 million and is expected to be delivered around one year after design completion.
• Full Network: A comprehensive 22.2-kilometer (14-mile) network comprising 19 stations, linking major districts such as the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Financial District, and Business Bay. The total cost for the full route is estimated at approximately USD 545 million to USD 681 million, with an expected implementation period of around three years.
• Capacity and Speed: Once fully developed, the system is projected to serve up to 30,000 passengers per day, with electric vehicles capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.

The Dubai Loop is based on tunneling technology developed by The Boring Company, making Dubai the second city after Las Vegas to introduce such a system.

Glydways: Autonomous Electric Mobility

The Glydways project introduces the UAE's first Autonomous Transit Network (ATN), representing a new model of smart and sustainable mobility. This system utilizes autonomous electric vehicles operating on dedicated guideways, separate from conventional roads, to offer round-the-clock, on-demand, point-to-point travel.

Features of the Glydways system include:

• Vehicles: Small, driverless electric vehicles designed to accommodate four to six passengers. They boast a driving range of up to 250 kilometers per charge and a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour.
• Safety and Technology: Vehicles are equipped with advanced redundancy systems, including 20 high-resolution LiDAR sensors, radar, and HD cameras, ensuring operational reliability and safety.
• Efficiency: The system is capable of transporting over 10,000 passengers per hour in a single direction. It is also noted for significantly reducing capital costs by up to 90 percent and operating costs by up to 70 percent compared to other transport modes.
• Implementation: Initial field trials are scheduled for the first half of 2026, with the implementation phase planned for 2027 to 2029 across approximately 12 kilometers. Four pilot corridors are set to connect areas like Dubai Internet City, Mall of the Emirates, Business Bay, and the Expo 2020 site to adjacent Metro stations.

The Glydways project is being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, leveraging expertise in autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence.

Dubai's Vision for Urban Transportation

These projects underscore Dubai's commitment to innovation in urban mobility, aiming to create a more connected, efficient, and sustainable transportation network for its residents and visitors. Both the Dubai Loop and Glydways are integral to the emirate's broader strategy to adopt intelligent transport solutions and improve the overall quality of life.