Project FinanceAnalysis
Dubai RTA studies underground transport network for passengers and goods
Study covers integrated system as emirate prepares for population projected to double by 2040.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority is studying an integrated underground transport network to move passengers, goods and services as the emirate prepares for population growth that could double daily trips by 2040. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, announced the study at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum on 13 October 2026. Dubai's roads currently handle more than 11 million trips daily, around 7,000 per minute, according to Al Tayer.
Underground transport network study#
The RTA is examining an underground transport system that Al Tayer said could improve efficiency and sustainability of mobility and create new investment opportunities. The study forms part of a three-dimensional transport network spanning sky, ground level and underground. Studies under way include the Dubai Loop and the Metro Gold Line, alongside technologies to make use of space beneath the city. The population moving around Dubai during the day, currently more than six million people, could reach double that figure by 2040, Al Tayer said at the forum.
Current infrastructure and economic contribution#
If laid end to end, Dubai's road network would reach nearly halfway around the globe, Al Tayer said. RTA projects have contributed AED 156 billion to Dubai's gross domestic product since the authority's establishment and generated more than AED 319 billion in savings through reduced travel time and fuel consumption. The RTA was established with a AED 75 billion budget. Dubai's roads and transport infrastructure before 2005 faced congestion, limited access, economic losses and road fatalities, Al Tayer said.
Autonomous and air mobility programmes#
By 2030, Dubai aims for one in every four trips to be autonomous. Autonomous taxis have covered more than four million kilometres, Al Tayer said at the forum. Trials of air taxis began in 2016, and in 2026 Dubai conducted an urban test flight and opened its first air taxi station. The AED 34 billion Metro Gold Line, announced in 2026, is among infrastructure projects intended to support future growth. The RTA is developing 100 artificial intelligence products, Al Tayer said.
Sources2 sources across 2 domains
- khaleejtimes.comKhaleej TimesRTA studying underground transport network, population growth projections, infrastructure figures, Al Tayer statements at Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum
- arabianbusiness.comArabian BusinessUnderground transport system study for passengers, goods and services
Each source above carries the claim it supports. Links open the publisher's own page; their text is not reproduced here beyond what the claim requires, and their rights remain theirs.
Arabia Tomorrow is published by Arabian Media Network. Pieces are produced by the Infrastructure Capital Desk with AI-assisted synthesis of the cited sources and automated verification against the network's editorial policy. Every piece carries a desk rather than a reporter. Corrections are recorded on the piece and on the corrections page.
Every announced MENA data centre and IPP: announced capacity, financing status, EPC awarded, chip licence status, stated energisation quarter, slip to date in quarters.