Dubai Boosts Flood Defenses: Tasreef Project to Amplify Rainwater Drainage by 700%

Dubai is set to significantly enhance its resilience against extreme weather and accommodate its expanding population for the next century with a Dh30 billion infrastructure project, the Tasreef scheme. This ambitious undertaking will increase the emirate's rainwater drainage capacity by a remarkable 700 percent. The new system is engineered to manage over 20 million cubic metres of water daily, incorporating an extensive network of more than 6,500km for drainage and over 5,000km for sewage, as detailed by Dubai Municipality.

Marwan bin Ghalita, director general of Dubai Municipality, announced that the Tasreef project commenced in 2024, following severe flooding experienced by the UAE due to unprecedented rainfall in April of that year. Instead of merely addressing the immediate damage, authorities committed to a long-term strategy to bolster Dubai's capacity to withstand future storms. Mr. bin Ghalita emphasized Dubai's decisive action, stating, "Dubai did not simply stop to assess the damage or look for solutions. It took a swift and bold decision to begin a drainage programme designed to serve the city for the next 100 years."

This initiative builds upon previous drainage efforts. In June 2025, the municipality finalized a Dh277 million sewerage and rainwater drainage network in Nad Al Sheba. Earlier, in April of this year, the drainage network in Al Quoz Creative Zone was completed. The Tasreef project, slated for completion in 2033, continues the series of drainage projects initiated by Dubai in 2019, which included areas such as Expo Dubai, Al Maktoum International Airport City, and Jebel Ali. The upcoming infrastructure will serve critical zones including Nad Al Hamar, areas surrounding Dubai International Airport, Garhoud, Rashidiya, Al Quoz, Zabeel, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, and Al Bada’a.

Speaking at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, Mr. bin Ghalita highlighted Dubai's commitment to investing in infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced construction techniques to elevate residents' quality of life and prepare for future urban growth. The presentation also featured Saeed, Dubai Municipality’s virtual spokesperson, who articulated a vision for the emirate's infrastructure and public services by 2033, leveraging technologies like 3D printing, robotic construction systems, modular building, and AI. Furthermore, Dubai's Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2040 focuses on waste-to-energy conversion, with the municipality transitioning to smart operational systems utilizing robots for cleaning and autonomous cleaning vehicles in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority. The city is also developing a comprehensive digital twin and a control centre equipped with real-time data for operational monitoring and decision support.

Mr. bin Ghalita attributed the city's progress to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, underscoring the philosophy of "Dubai is a city of action" as the driving force behind the emirate's consistent delivery of results.

Beyond infrastructure, Dubai is advancing its greening and food safety initiatives. The greening program aims to plant 3.5 million trees by 2040, expanding green and cultivated areas to 187 square kilometres, with an anticipated 95 million annual park visits. Food safety remains a key priority, with municipal teams inspecting over 577,000 food consignments, encompassing approximately 2,706 million food products, annually. Collaboration with entities like Dubai Customs enhances inspection speed and accuracy through digital tools and AI, such as DM Check and 'Montaji'. Mr. bin Ghalita concluded by emphasizing that these advancements are the outcome of collective efforts and a clear vision, aiming to establish Dubai as a city with advanced, smart infrastructure ready to face future challenges.