Dubai Municipality Fortifies City Against Heavy Rainfall with New Flood Prevention Strategy

Dubai Municipality has launched a comprehensive new strategy aimed at safeguarding the emirate from potential flooding due to excessive rainfall. The authority has strategically established 10 temporary water collection lakes in key locations to manage rainwater runoff and alleviate pressure on the existing main drainage networks, as reported by the Dubai Media Office on Thursday. A dedicated response team, comprising 675 individuals including engineers, supervisors, administrative staff, drivers, and field workers, will be on standby 24/7 to address any emergencies.

"Dubai Municipality has established an integrated and proactive response system that brings together specialised teams, advanced equipment and flexible operational plans to strengthen our preparedness for the rainy season," stated Eng Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, chief executive of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality, who also heads the Municipality's Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team and the Rainwater Drainage Team. "Our priority is to ensure that infrastructure and emergency resources are ready to respond effectively to changing weather conditions, manage rainwater accumulation and address reports according to their urgency and the requirements of each location."

The municipality's preparations are bolstered by continuous monitoring, preventive maintenance, and close collaboration with strategic partners. "Through this approach, we aim to safeguard people and property, maintain the continuity of services and minimise disruption to everyday life across Dubai," Al Marzouqi added.

This initiative follows recent reports that Dubai's rainwater drainage capacity is set to see a significant sevenfold increase, part of a Dh30 billion infrastructure project designed to protect the emirate from extreme weather events and cater to its growing population for the next century.