Dubai is exploring an integrated underground transport network for moving people and goods and providing services beneath the city. The proposal forms part of the emirate’s broader strategy to transform urban mobility, reduce congestion and prepare for rising travel demand.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), announced the initiative at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum on October 13, 2026. He said an RTA team was studying the possibility of developing a comprehensive underground mobility system.
Dubai’s future transport strategy focuses on three interconnected dimensions: ground-level mobility, air transport and underground infrastructure. The approach aims to make better use of urban space while improving connectivity across the emirate.
At ground level, Dubai plans to make one in every four journeys autonomous by 2030. The emirate is also advancing air taxi services to provide faster connections between key destinations.
The underground component would extend this vision by creating new ways to move passengers, goods and services without relying entirely on conventional roads.
Dubai’s growing population is increasing pressure on its transport infrastructure. Al Tayer said more than six million people move around the city during daylight hours, and the RTA expects this figure to double by 2040.
The emirate records more than 11 million journeys daily, highlighting the scale of its mobility requirements. The proposed underground system could help address future demand by adding transport capacity beyond existing road networks.
The planned full network will extend approximately 22.2 kilometres, with 19 stations linking the Trade Centre and Financial District with Business Bay. The project aims to improve traffic flow and strengthen first- and last-mile connectivity. However, the RTA has yet to disclose the proposed network’s routes, capacity, costs or technical specifications.
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