Dubai is planning a groundbreaking subterranean master plan to build an integrated underground transport network designed to move people, goods, and services directly beneath the city’s densest corridors
DUBAI: A new Dubai underground transport network is being explored to move passengers, goods and essential services beneath the city, potentially transforming how residents travel and how urban space is used.
The announcement was made on October 13, 2026, by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), during the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum.
An RTA team is studying the proposal as part of Dubai’s plans to create a more connected, efficient and sustainable transport system.
What is Dubai’s new underground transport plan?
The proposed system aims to integrate underground movement with existing road networks and future aerial transport services.
Unlike conventional metro services, the broader concept would accommodate passengers, goods and services, potentially reducing pressure on roads.
Al Tayer explained that Dubai is exploring transport across three dimensions: ground, sky and underground.
The approach could also free up surface areas for pedestrian pathways, greenery and public spaces.
However, authorities have not yet announced an official route, construction schedule or budget for the proposed network.
Why does Dubai need another transport system?
Dubai currently records more than 11 million road journeys daily, equivalent to over 7,000 journeys every minute.
More than six million people move around the city during daylight hours, with that figure expected to exceed 12 million by 2040.
The Dubai underground transport network could help address this growing demand by distributing movement across multiple levels rather than relying entirely on surface roads.
The city’s expanding population and business districts are creating additional demand for faster, more convenient transport connections.
How is this different from Dubai Loop?
The newly proposed integrated network is separate from the already announced Dubai Loop project, although both support the emirate’s wider underground mobility ambitions.
Dubai Loop, being developed with Elon Musk’s The Boring Company, will use underground tunnels and electric vehicles to transport passengers.
Its first phase will cover 6.4 kilometres and include four stations connecting Dubai’s financial district with Dubai Mall.
The completed project is planned to extend approximately 22 kilometres with 19 stations.
The first phase is estimated to cost Dh565 million, while the complete network could cost around Dh2 billion.
When will the new network open?
No opening date has been confirmed for the integrated underground system.
The proposal remains under study, and further details about construction, technology and station locations have yet to be released.
Dubai is also pursuing autonomous taxis, air mobility and other transport innovations as part of its long-term development plans.
Impact to expect
The Dubai underground transport network could eventually reduce road congestion, improve travel efficiency and create more space for walking and green areas. Businesses may benefit from smoother goods movement, while residents could enjoy better connectivity as Dubai continues expanding.
