AED 30 Billion Approved for 'Tasreef' Project to Boost Dubai Rainwater Drainage by 700%

Two months after unprecedented rains flooded the UAE, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved the AED 30 billion ‘Tasreef’ project to enhance Dubai's rainwater drainage network. This initiative, one of the largest strategic infrasructure projects in the emirate, aims to increase the capacity of the rainwater drainage system by 700%, covering all areas of Dubai.

The approval was made in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the continuous enhancement of Dubai’s sustainable infrastructure is integral to its growth and prosperity. The project will create an advanced, safe, and flexible drainage infrastructure ready to face future challenges.

"Today, we approved an integrated project to develop Dubai's rainwater drainage network at a cost of AED 30 billion. The largest rainwater collection project in a single system in the region will increase the capacity of the drainage network in the emirate by 700%, ensuring readiness for future climate-related challenges," Sheikh Mohammed said.

All Areas of Dubai

Covering all areas of Dubai, the project will raise the drainage network’s capacity to more than 20 million cubic meters of water daily, meeting needs for the next 100 years. The project will be implemented immediately and completed in phases by 2033.

"Dubai continues to drive infrastructure and urban advancements, enhancing safety and security for everyone living in the emirate," Sheikh Mohammed added.

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 supports Dubai's plans and strategies for developing a flexible, advanced, and future-ready infrastructure, addressing future climate change impacts with a network designed to adapt to all rainfall events.

Dubai Municipality will implement the project, adhering to the highest global technical and engineering standards. This initiative aligns with the Municipality’s strategic goals for integrated rainwater drainage and sewage system management, enhancing sustainability and quality of life in Dubai. It also supports Dubai’s comprehensive development plans, boosts its global competitiveness, and improves quality of life indicators.

The Largest of it's Kind Regionally

The 'Tasreef' project aims to enhance rainwater and surface water drainage services with a sophisticated and efficient infrastructure, improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs associated with station construction, operations, and maintenance by 20%, while increasing the network's lifespan. Additionally, the rainwater drainage capacity through tunnels will reach 20 million cubic meters per day, with a flow capacity of 230 cubic meters per second, making it the largest rainwater collection project in a single system in the region.

The project will utilize the latest Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM), the largest of their kind in the Middle East, known for their efficiency, speed, and precision in excavation, and their ability to handle various topographical conditions. These machines feature automated control systems for continuous monitoring and data analysis, with advanced safety systems to ensure the safety of workers and equipment.

The Floods

The project comes about two months after unprecedented rains flooded the UAE. On April 16 this yeitar, UAE faced the heaviest rainfall in its recorded history of 75 years, flooding homes and transforming streets into rivers. The heavy rain, disrupted operations at Dubai airport, the world’s busiest for international passengers, and caused damages and losses among residents.

Dubai residents among the floods that hit the city last aprilAFP