On the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2026, the two organisations signed an agreement to begin implementation of the passenger transport tunnel.
The Dubai Loop project will commence with the construction of a 6.4km pilot route, comprising four stations and linking the Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Mall.
This first phase will pave the way for expansion into the full project alignment, which will extend up to 22.2 km and include 19 surface and underground stations, connecting Dubai World Trade Centre and the financial district with Business Bay.
The tunnels will have a diameter of 3.6m.
The pilot route is expected to carry around 13,000 passengers per day, while the full route is projected to have a total capacity of approximately 30,000 passengers per day.
The cost of implementing the first phase is estimated at approximately US$154m, with an anticipated delivery period of around one year following completion of design works and required preparations. The total cost of the full route is estimated at approximately US$545m, with an expected implementation period of around three years.
RTA director-general and chairman His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said the signing of the agreement was in line with Dubai’s approach to strengthen strategic partnerships with leading global companies in the fields of innovation and advanced technologies.
“The agreement supports efforts to further cement Dubai’s position among the world’s leading cities in the deployment of future mobility solutions and the adoption of advanced technologies that contribute to enhancing the quality of life and facilitating the movement of residents and visitors across the Emirate, while keeping pace with its rapid urban and economic growth,” he said.
His Excellency added that studies had demonstrated the project’s efficiency in terms of capacity and operating costs.
TBC president Steve Davis said the company was proud to partner with the RTA, “one of the world’s leading entities in adopting innovative solutions in the transport sector”.
Following an agreement between the two organisations at last year’s World Governments Summit, the RTA provided TBC with geotechnical data, information on utilities and structures, environmental risk assessments, and the specifications and standards for transport systems in Dubai. In turn, TBC was responsible for submitting technical studies, safety information, and development details for the system and the proposed alignments. TBC and RTA will now finalise the design while beginning mobilisation activities
