Construction of a 93-kilometer pedestrian tunnel announced in Dubai (7 photos + 1 video)
The tunnel will connect the city's most visited areas. It will be accessible on foot or by bicycle. The route will be completely enclosed and climate-controlled, ensuring a pleasant experience, despite the heat and sandstorms. 
Dubai is preparing to implement an ambitious project called The Loop, a "metro for cyclists and pedestrians": a closed, 93-kilometer, climate-controlled highway that will encircle the city and connect key areas into a single, active environment for travel and recreation. The concept was developed by URB, and the route is planned to be fully covered and comfortable for use year-round, despite heat and sandstorms. 
What is this highway?
The Loop is conceived as a multifunctional "urban corridor" for walking, cycling, jogging, and daily commuting. It will feature bike and pedestrian paths, recreation areas with vegetation and water, sports fields, parks, and even vertical farms, which are expected to improve the emirate's food security.
The loop's route is planned to pass through key areas of Dubai—from Expo City and Dubai Marina/JLT to Downtown, Meydan, Academic City, and the developing neighborhoods of Dubailand and Sustainable City. The developer envisions The Loop as a community for over 3 million residents, connecting them to key work, school, and leisure destinations within a bike ride or 20-minute walk. 
Climate Control and Green Technologies
The entire highway will be climate-controlled: a comfortable temperature and protection from heat will be maintained inside through a combination of evaporative cooling and other engineering solutions. The infrastructure will be powered by 100% renewable energy sources, including kinetic energy from users' footsteps and travel, and only recycled water will be used for watering the greenery. 
Developers are positioning The Loop as a zero-emissions transportation corridor and one of the greenest highways in the world. The project is expected to help Dubai implement its "20-Minute City" strategy and increase the proportion of residents walking or cycling daily to 80% by 2040.
When will it be available?
The Loop is currently in the research and route refinement phase: URB is coordinating the optimal route, phases, and construction timeline with city authorities, and discussing integration with the existing street network and public transport. It is noted that implementation will be phased: the first sections may open earlier, in parallel with the expansion of cycling infrastructure as part of the Dubai Cycle City 2040 program.
