Dubai’s ever-evolving transport infrastructure is set to enter a new era. In response to rising traffic congestion and a rapidly growing population, city planners and transport authorities are rolling out a series of bold, forward-thinking projects—some that sound straight out of a sci-fi film but are very much real and already in the works.
Here are six innovative public transport initiatives that could soon reshape how residents and visitors move around the city:
1. Dubai Loop – Elon Musk’s Underground Transit System
Announced at the World Government Summit 2025, the Dubai Loop is Elon Musk’s answer to urban gridlock. Developed by The Boring Company, this underground system aims to whisk passengers through congested parts of the city in high-speed electric vehicles.
The Dubai Loop will initially span 17 km, include 11 stations, and handle up to 20,000 passengers per hour. Future expansions could increase that capacity to 100,000 passengers per hour. While a rollout date hasn’t been confirmed, the project is modeled on the existing Las Vegas Loop, where self-driving Teslas shuttle people between major convention centers.
2. Flying Taxis – Taking to the Skies by 2026
Dubai may soon become one of the first cities in the world with commercial flying taxis. Powered by Joby Aviation, these electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are set to launch service between key hubs like Downtown Dubai, DXB Airport, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina.
Each flying taxi will carry a pilot and four passengers, flying at speeds of up to 200 mph, with a travel time of around 10 minutes per leg. Pricing is expected to be comparable to an Uber Black ride, and air corridors are currently being mapped to ensure safe routes across the city.
3. Pod Rail – The Floc Duo Self-Driving System
Unveiled at GITEX Global 2024, the Floc Duo Rail introduces autonomous, bubble-shaped pods that glide along lightweight tracks either on the ground or suspended in the air. Developed for rapid deployment, the system uses minimal infrastructure, keeping construction time and environmental impact low.
These self-driving pods will dynamically scale to rider demand and can operate from suburban stops to city-center interchanges, offering a low-carbon, cost-effective mass transit option.
4. Rail Bus – Solar-Powered Urban Mobility
Another innovation showcased at the 2025 World Government Summit, the Rail Bus combines the flexibility of a bus with the infrastructure efficiency of rail. These sleek, aerodynamic vehicles will carry up to 40 passengers, run on solar power, and be 3D-printed to streamline manufacturing.
Designed to enhance last-mile connectivity, the Rail Bus will integrate seamlessly with Dubai’s existing public transport systems and serve densely populated urban areas.
5. Seaglider – Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 30 Minutes
Connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi in just 30 minutes, the all-electric Seaglider offers the speed of a plane and the accessibility of a boat. Developed for coastal routes, it can cruise over water at 180 mph, flying just above the surface to reduce drag and turbulence.
With an estimated ticket price of Dhs165, it promises a fast, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to traditional road or air transport between the UAE’s two biggest cities.
6. Trackless Tram – Eco-Friendly Urban Transit
Directed by Sheikh Hamdan, the Trackless Tram system is designed to run on virtual tracks and requires no physical rail infrastructure, making it significantly more affordable and quicker to build than conventional tram systems.
Each tram consists of three carriages, can carry up to 300 passengers, and runs fully on electricity. With operational speeds of 25–60 km/h and a range of up to 100 km per charge, the trackless tram represents a scalable solution to urban mobility challenges in fast-growing districts.
