Tesla CEO to build massive underground road network in Dubai

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced a groundbreaking construction project in Dubai, where his The Boring Company, will create a vast underground road network to connect various parts of the city.

The new system, which will span 17 kilometers, is designed to transport driverless cars across Dubai, offering an innovative solution to the city's growing transportation needs, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Musk's venture, which mirrors a similar underground project in Las Vegas, aims to alleviate some of the urban challenges Dubai faces, such as limited space and the environmental impact of rapid expansion. The underground tunnels could provide much-needed infrastructure while avoiding these issues, but the project also represents a test of Musk's ability to balance his business endeavors with his newfound responsibilities in Trump's administration.

The announcement was made at the World Governments Summit, where Musk partnered with UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Al Olama. Musk shared his enthusiasm about the Dubai Loop, stating, "Once people try it out, they're going to say, 'Wow, it's really cool.' It's going to seem so obvious in retrospect. It's going to be like a wormhole, from one part of the city, boom, and you're at another part of the city, and it's great. We look forward to this partnership."

When fully operational, the Loop is expected to carry 20,000 passengers per hour and will feature over 100 stations that connect the tunnels to Dubai's major airports and attractions. Musk also highlighted the benefits of underground transportation, particularly in a city like Dubai, where the intense heat is a major concern. "Underground is a good place to be in a worst-case scenario for global thermonuclear warfare," Musk remarked. "If you have bad weather, like let's say there's a blizzard or a sandstorm or something, well, now nobody can fly. None of these problems exist with underground travel."

In a statement regarding the safety of similar tunnel systems, The Boring Company explained that the tunnels are designed with safety in mind. "There are no internal touch hazards (e.g., a 600-volt third rail), enabling safe evacuation, minimizing potential fire sources, and eliminating any dangerous effects of (unlikely) water intrusion," the company said. Furthermore, the system will include a redundant, bidirectional ventilation system to safely evacuate passengers in the event of a fire.

The timeline for the Dubai Loop's completion has not been confirmed, but the project is expected to take several years to construct. As the city continues to grow and face new challenges, the Dubai Loop stands to become a revolutionary addition to its infrastructure.

By Vafa Guliyeva