Dubai awards Dh1.4 billion in new stormwater infrastructure (VIDEO)
Drainage capacity set to increase sevenfold over the next century
DUBAI: In a major stride toward bolstering infrastructure resilience, Dubai Municipality has awarded contracts worth Dh1.439 billion for the development and enhancement of the emirate’s stormwater drainage systems.
The initiative, forming part of the expansive ‘Tasreef’ project, aligns with directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to implement sustainable and future-ready infrastructure solutions.
The contracts mark a key phase in the execution of the Tasreef project – Dubai’s most extensive unified stormwater collection system and the most operationally efficient in the region. With a total projected cost of Dh30 billion, the scheme reflects the emirate’s vision to strengthen climate-resilient urban development and remain at the forefront of global infrastructure readiness.
Network expansion
The new works will span more than 36 kilometres of new drainage lines across multiple critical areas including Nad Al Hamar, Dubai International Airport’s surroundings, Al Garhoud, Al Rashidiya, Al Quoz, Zabeel, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, and Al Badaa. These lines will link into the main Tasreef tunnel, enabling a fully connected and scalable stormwater network throughout Dubai.
Once complete, the enhancements are expected to drastically reduce the risk of flooding, boost system efficiency, and decrease both operational and maintenance costs. In turn, the improved drainage infrastructure will support higher service standards for both residential and commercial zones.
Strategic impact
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, stated that the newly awarded projects signify a pivotal step in enhancing the emirate’s capacity to handle extreme weather conditions. Over the next 100 years, the discharge capacity of the stormwater system is projected to rise by 700 percent.
He emphasised Tasreef’s strategic role in supporting Dubai’s urban planning and sustainability objectives. “This is a pioneering and transformative project that ensures the integration of advanced stormwater and surface water management practices. It reflects our long-term goal of building a more liveable, attractive, and future-ready Dubai,” he noted.
Beyond its immediate impact, the Tasreef project is also designed to reduce construction and maintenance costs by 20 percent while extending the lifespan of drainage infrastructure, reinforcing Dubai’s long-term environmental and infrastructural sustainability goals.