In a groundbreaking announcement at the World Governments Summit, the United Arab Emirates revealed a new partnership with Elon Musk to develop the Dubai Loop—an advanced underground transportation system designed to revolutionize urban mobility in the city.
Omar Sultan AlOlama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, unveiled the initiative during a discussion with Musk, who joined the summit via video link.
A ‘Wormhole’ for Dubai’s Transport System
Describing the futuristic project, Musk likened the Dubai Loop to a wormhole, allowing passengers to travel seamlessly between different parts of the city in an instant.
“It’s going to be like a wormhole—you enter at one location, and then, boom, you emerge at another,” Musk explained.
The project will integrate Musk’s tunneling expertise through The Boring Company, which has already developed underground traffic tunnels in California and Las Vegas.
These tunnels offer high-speed, congestion-free transport, presenting an alternative to traditional subway systems.
Underground Travel: Safer and More Efficient?
Addressing concerns about safety, Musk argued that underground tunnels are among the safest places to be, even during natural disasters like earthquakes.
“Being in a tunnel is like being in a submarine,” he said. “Even if there’s a storm above, the water around the submarine remains calm.”
Musk further emphasized that underground transport is more efficient and safer than aerial solutions such as flying taxis and helicopters, which have been proposed as futuristic alternatives in many global cities.
Musk’s Broader Vision: A War on Bureaucracy
During the session, Musk also addressed his role in leading the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was established by President Donald Trump in January to curb federal spending.
Musk spoke about the need for sweeping reforms in the U.S. government, advocating for a reduction in bureaucracy to improve economic growth and lower inflation.
“There is overwhelming public support for more efficient governance,” Musk stated. “Seventy percent of voters want government processes to be streamlined.”
Reducing Regulations and Cutting Federal Agencies
Musk warned that excessive regulations are stifling innovation and economic progress. He proposed a “war on bureaucracy” to trim the size of the federal government and eliminate unnecessary agencies.
“There are currently 450 federal agencies in the U.S., with an average of two new agencies added each year since the country’s founding—that’s too many,” Musk said.
He also pointed to outdated government technology as a major issue, criticizing how government systems lack integration.
“The U.S. government runs on thousands of computers that don’t communicate with each other,” Musk noted. “Upgrading these systems is key to improving efficiency.”
The Economic Impact of Efficiency Reforms
Musk projected that reducing government spending by 3-4% could eliminate inflation by 2025-2026.
“If we cut the $2 trillion deficit in half, we can reduce inflation and lower debt payments, benefiting the average American,” he explained.
By focusing on smaller, more effective governance, Musk believes the economy could grow at a faster pace, potentially by 4-5% annually.
A Vision for the Future
As Musk champions government reform and the UAE pioneers futuristic infrastructure, the Dubai Loop stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets ambition.
With the Boring Company’s expertise and Dubai’s commitment to technological advancement, the project promises to transform urban transport, making the city faster, more efficient, and ready for the future.
