Dubai has signed a $681 million contract with Elon Musk‘s Boring Company to build an underground transport network connecting key business and shopping districts.
What’s Being Built
The first phase covers 6.4 kilometers from Dubai International Financial Centre to Dubai Mall, costing $154 million. Construction takes 12 months. The complete network will stretch 22.5 kilometers with 19 stations, finishing in three years. Work begins late 2026 after getting permits.
How It Works
Tesla cars will zip through underground tunnels at 160 km/h, taking passengers directly from station to station without stops. The Roads and Transport Authority expects 13,000 daily riders initially, growing to 30,000 when fully operational.
Why It’s Cheaper
Building this costs $24 million per kilometer—much less than Dubai Metro’s typical $200-400 million per kilometer. The tunnels are smaller and cause less disruption above ground.
The Approval Process
Boring Company needs 48 permits from 10 government departments. RTA has already shared ground data, utility maps, and environmental reports to speed things up.
Why Dubai Needs This
Dubai Metro is hitting record passenger numbers but can’t expand fast enough. Roads are crowded. Building underground avoids tearing up streets and highways. If this first phase works well, Dubai can quickly add more tunnels to other areas.
The project supports Dubai’s growth plans as more businesses and residents move to the emirate.
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