In response to escalating climate problems, Dubai is undergoing major infrastructure construction to increase rainfall drainage capacity, with the goal of greatly reducing future flood hazards. This preemptive attempt follows April’s record rainfall, when Dubai received a year’s worth of rain in a single day, resulting in significant holdups.
In June, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the Dh30 billion ‘Tasreef’ project. The Tasreef project, which aims to increase drainage capacity by 700%, is expected to be completed by 2033. Meanwhile, the Dubai Municipality has been improving its existing drainage systems to better handle severe rainfall.
Dr. Tamer Al Hafez, a senior drainage project specialist, stated that the Tasreef tunnel would function on gravity, decreasing the need for pumps and maintenance expenditures. The tunnel will connect multiple drainage networks, directing runoff into the sea. Unlike past drainage systems, this project will span throughout Dubai, including Deira and Bur Dubai.
To address flood hazards before Tasreef is completed, the municipality is expanding drainage networks throughout the city, ensuring smoother water movement during future intense weather occurrences.
