Dubai to get AED 30 billion rainwater drainage system

Dubai is set to begin work on a rainwater drainage system worth AED 30 billion, which will ensure readiness to face climate-related challenges.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the 'Tasreef' project, which will enhance Dubai's rainwater drainage capacity by 700 per cent and meet the emirate’s needs for 100 years.

It will have a capacity of over 20 million m³ of water daily, with flow capacity of 230 m³ per second.

Dubai Municipality will implement the project, which will be completed in stages by 2033.

"Covering all areas of Dubai, the project will raise the drainage network’s capacity to more than 20 million cubic metres of water daily, meeting our needs for the next hundred years. We have directed the immediate implementation of the project, which will be completed in phases by 2033," said Sheikh Mohammed.

. @HHShkMohd approves AED 30 billion 'Tasreef' project to expand Dubai's rainwater drainage capacity.
Project to be implemented immediately; phased completion by 2033. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/5brtbhqWhT

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 24, 2024

The largest rainwater collection project of its kind in the region, will cover all of Dubai, project will meet emirate’s needs for 100 years. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/xAc6b0uj0W

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 24, 2024

Additionally, the rainwater drainage capacity through tunnels will reach 20 million cubic metres per day, with a flow capacity of 230 cubic metres per second, making it the largest rainwater collection project in a single system in the region.

Resilient infrastructure

The strategic project is a continuation of drainage projects launched by Dubai in 2019, covering the Expo Dubai area, Al Maktoum International Airport City and Jebel Ali.

It addresses future climate change impacts, such as increased rainfall, with a network designed to seamlessly adapt to all rainfall events.

Advanced tunnelling equipment

The project will utilise the latest Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM), the largest of their kind in the Middle East, known for their efficiency, speed and high precision in excavation, and their ability to handle various topographical conditions.

These machines feature automated control systems that enable continuous monitoring and data analysis, with advanced safety systems to ensure the safety of workers and equipment.

Massive capacity

The 'Tasreef' project aims to enhance rainwater and surface water drainage services with a sophisticated and highly efficient infrastructure, improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs associated with station construction, operations and maintenance by 20% and increasing the network's lifespan.

Additionally, the rainwater drainage capacity through tunnels will reach 20 million cubic metres per day, with a flow capacity of 230 cubic metres per second, making it the largest rainwater collection project in a single system in the region.