Hamdan bin Mohammed Attends MoU Signing for Dubai Loop Project

The MoU was signed during the 2025 World Governments Summit (WGS). WAM
The MoU was signed during the 2025 World Governments Summit (WGS). WAM
TT
20

Hamdan bin Mohammed Attends MoU Signing for Dubai Loop Project

The MoU was signed during the 2025 World Governments Summit (WGS). WAM
The MoU was signed during the 2025 World Governments Summit (WGS). WAM

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and US-based firm The Boring Company to study the implementation of the “Dubai Loop” tunnel project.

The proposed 17-kilometer tunnel, featuring 11 stations, is designed to transport over 20,000 passengers per hour. It is part of a long-term plan to construct a citywide loop transportation network.

Signed during the 2025 World Governments Summit (WGS), the MoU aims to strengthen the partnership between both parties in tunnel excavation and construction.

The MoU was signed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA; and John Hering, Lead Investor and Senior Advisor to The Boring Company, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

The MoU “aims to implement cutting-edge technologies, foster innovative transport solutions, and create a dynamic ecosystem for the advancement of transportation technologies,” said Al Tayer.

“The agreement facilitates knowledge and expertise exchange to develop transportation systems tailored to the city’s evolving needs,” he stated.

He added that the technology used in the system offers rapid execution, lower costs than conventional tunneling methods, and minimal impact on existing infrastructure and road networks.

The MoU, Al Tayer noted, involves conducting studies and exchanging information on the specifications and standards required by the RTA for innovative transport systems, as well as insights into current and future trends in the mobility market. It also focuses on gathering data on system developments, pilot routes, and applied safety standards.
Hering highlighted the advantages of the loop system. “The Boring Company aims to transform the transportation sector by constructing safe, fast, and cost-efficient tunnels for passenger transit, utilities, and freight.”

He noted that the loop system incorporates innovative and sustainable technologies. “The loop system offers rapid connectivity solutions, enhancing passenger mobility and reducing travel time thanks to the speed and seamless flow of tunnel transportation.”

Hering added: “The company adopts a fully integrated vertical approach to streamline operations and reduce costs. It designs and manufactures its own Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), engineers tunnel structures and stations, operates tunnel excavation machinery, and manages the underground loop transportation system.”



Investors Weigh Market Risks as Israeli-Iranian Tensions Rise

Traders monitoring the movement of stocks on Wall Street (Reuters)
Traders monitoring the movement of stocks on Wall Street (Reuters)
TT
20

Investors Weigh Market Risks as Israeli-Iranian Tensions Rise

Traders monitoring the movement of stocks on Wall Street (Reuters)
Traders monitoring the movement of stocks on Wall Street (Reuters)

As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, investors are analyzing several potential market scenarios, especially if the United States deepens its involvement. A key concern is a sharp increase in energy prices, which could amplify economic consequences across global markets.

Rising oil prices could fuel inflation, weaken consumer confidence, and diminish the likelihood of interest rate cuts in the near term. This may prompt initial stock market sell-offs and a flight to the US dollar as a safe-haven asset.

While US crude oil prices have surged by around 10% over the past week, the S&P 500 index has remained relatively stable, following a brief decline after the initial Israeli strikes.

Analysts suggest that if Iranian oil supplies are disrupted, market reactions could intensify significantly. A serious supply disruption would likely ripple through global petroleum markets and push oil prices higher, leading to broader economic consequences.

Oxford Economics has outlined three possible scenarios: a de-escalation of conflict, a full suspension of Iranian oil production, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Each scenario carries escalating risks to global oil prices. In the most severe case, prices could soar to $130 per barrel, pushing US inflation to nearly 6% by year-end. In such a scenario, consumer spending would likely contract due to declining real income, and any possibility of interest rate cuts this year would likely vanish under rising inflationary pressure.

So far, the most direct impact has been felt in oil markets, where Brent crude futures have jumped as much as 18% since June 10, reaching nearly $79 a barrel, the highest level in five months. Volatility expectations in the oil market now exceed those of major asset classes like equities and bonds.

Although equities have largely brushed off the geopolitical turmoil, analysts believe this could change if energy prices continue to climb. Rising oil prices could weigh on corporate earnings and consumer demand, indirectly pressuring stock markets.

While US stocks have held steady for now, further American involvement in the conflict could spark market anxiety. Historical patterns suggest any sell-off might be short-lived. For instance, during the 2003 Iraq invasion, stocks initially dropped but recovered in subsequent months.

As for the US dollar, its performance amid escalating tensions could vary. It may strengthen initially due to safe-haven demand, although past conflicts have sometimes led to long-term weakness, especially during prolonged military engagements.