Elon Musk to partner with Dubai on Loop project

Elon Musk has confirmed he will enter into a joint partnership with Dubai to develop the Dubai Loop.

The futuristic transportation project will reach Dubai’s most densely populated areas, easing congestion and enabling people to travel to various points around the emirate. 

Musk was speaking at the World Governments Summit, being held in Dubai, via video link, on Thursday.

He said: "I think once people try it out, to be like, wow, this is really cool. It's going to seem so obvious in retrospect, until you actually do it, you don't know.

"It's going to be like a like a wormhole, it's going to be great."

#ElonMusk and Omar Al Olama announce #DubaiLoop, a revolutionary project that significantly boosts transportation speed.

People will be able to travel from one place to another as if they are crossing a "wormhole," avoiding long distances and traffic congestion.

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The UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Omar Sultan Al Olama, who was hosting the conversation with Musk said, "The Loop project is going to cover Dubai's most densely populated areas for people to go from point to point the seamless manner. We hope to change people's lives."

The Loop is thought to be similar to the Las Vegas Loop, which runs under the convention centre and allows driverless vehicles to transport people below-ground. 

Musk explained that the project would allow people to travel as if they were moving through a "wormhole" within Dubai, referring to the ability to move instantly between two points without long distances or traffic delays.

He also emphasised the advantages of tunnel systems over alternatives like flying cars, citing the practicality, safety, and efficiency of tunnels, which are protected from weather and noise, offering a smoother experience for passengers.

During the discussion with Al Olama, Musk spoke about improving government efficiency, pointing out that the biggest challenge lies in reducing bureaucracy and enhancing the technology used within government institutions.