Dubai Loop And Glydways Projects Under UAE Leadership Highlight Next-Generation Urban Mobility

Dubai is preparing two new mobility systems, the Dubai Loop and the Glydways project, which are designed to expand smart and sustainable transport across the emirate. The initiatives aim to strengthen public transport, improve first- and last-mile connections, and support dense business districts, aligning with Dubai’s wider plans for innovation-led urban and economic growth.

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai is leading both the Dubai Loop and Glydways project to integrate them with existing networks. The systems are planned to improve journey times, raise network capacity, and reduce pressure on surface roads. They are also intended to support investment in sustainable transport through flexible delivery and partnership models.

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The Glydways project is described as the first automated programme for an Autonomous Transit Network in Dubai. It introduces a transport model based on compact autonomous electric vehicles running on narrow, dedicated guideways. These guideways are physically separate from normal traffic lanes, which is expected to improve reliability and protect journey times during peak periods.

The Glydways Autonomous Transit Network offers an on-demand service available around the clock. Vehicles travel directly between origin and destination without intermediate stops, which is intended to shorten travel times, particularly in dense districts. The service is positioned as a complement to existing public transport and as a solution for first- and last-mile links.

Each Glydways vehicle carries four to six passengers and operates fully on electric power. The vehicles have a range of up to 250 km per charge and can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. They are designed to comply with approved public transport safety standards and include redundancy systems to maintain operational safety and reliability.

Project data shared for the Glydways Autonomous Transit Network highlights cost and deployment benefits compared with other modes. Capital costs are projected to fall by up to 90 percent, while operating costs may decrease by up to 70 percent. The network is also described as suitable for rapid, flexible build-out and for public–private partnership structures that seek efficient sustainable transport investment.

Dubai Loop and Glydways project: underground tunnel network details

The Dubai Loop is planned as a network of underground passenger tunnels across the emirate. It uses advanced engineering and digital systems to manage flows in high-density urban areas. Because the tunnels run beneath existing infrastructure, they are expected to have limited impact on current roads and utility services during construction.

The first Dubai Loop phase covers a 6.4 km alignment with four stations, linking the Financial District with Dubai Mall. Future stages are planned to extend the route to 22.2 km with 19 stations. This extension is set to connect the Trade Centre and Financial Districts with the Business Bay area, strengthening access between major commercial hubs.

Dubai Loop and Glydways project: leadership review and summit context

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed both the Dubai Loop and Glydways project during a visit to the Roads and Transport Authority stand at the World Governments Summit 2026. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum accompanied Sheikh Mohammed during the briefing.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, presented technical details and the expected role of the Dubai Loop and Glydways project in building an integrated, technology-enabled mobility ecosystem. The briefing covered infrastructure plans, operating concepts, and how the systems may interact with existing transport modes.

Al Tayer stated that the two initiatives reflect the leadership’s vision to position Dubai as a global centre for innovative mobility solutions and smart, sustainable transport. According to Al Tayer, the projects are also intended to improve quality of life, support urban expansion, and reinforce economic activity by improving access across strategic districts of the emirate.

Several officials joined the visit to the Roads and Transport Authority stand. The group included H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Organisation.

The World Governments Summit 2026 is described as a major policy and business gathering. It hosts more than 60 heads of state and government and their deputies, over 500 ministers, and more than 150 governments. The event also brings together more than 80 international and regional organisations, more than 700 chief executive officers, and over 6,250 attendees.

The Dubai Loop and Glydways project reviews at the World Governments Summit 2026 underline Dubai’s interest in integrated, low-emission transport systems that can operate in complex urban environments. The planned networks are positioned to support business districts, reduce congestion, and attract partnership-based investment while aligning with wider smart city strategies in the emirate.

With inputs from WAM