His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has given the green light to the ‘Tasreef’ project aimed at improving Dubai’s rainwater drainage network.
With a total cost of AED 30B, the initiative stands as one of the emirate’s largest strategic infrastructure undertakings. ‘Tasreef’ will significantly enhance Dubai’s rainwater drainage capacity by 700%, covering all areas of the emirate.
The approval ceremony included H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, alongside H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum underscored the vital role of continually enhancing Dubai’s sustainable infrastructure for its growth and prosperity.
The project aims to establish an advanced, safe, flexible, and resilient drainage infrastructure capable of meeting future challenges.
Sheikh Mohammed stated, “Today, we sanctioned a comprehensive project to develop Dubai’s rainwater drainage network at a cost of AED 30B.
This landmark initiative will expand the emirate’s drainage capacity by 700%, making it the largest rainwater collection system in the region and ensuring Dubai’s readiness for future climate-related challenges.”
He added, “Encompassing all areas of Dubai, the project will increase the drainage network’s capacity to over 20 million cubic metres of water daily, meeting our requirements for the next century. We have directed the immediate commencement of the project, scheduled for phased completion by 2033.
Dubai continues to drive infrastructure and urban advancements, thereby enhancing safety and security for all residents.”
Resilient infrastructure
This strategic project builds on drainage initiatives launched by Dubai in 2019, covering Expo Dubai, Al Maktoum International Airport City, and Jebel Ali. It supports Dubai’s plans and strategies for developing an adaptable, advanced, and future-ready infrastructure.
As a sustainable strategic project, it addresses future climate change impacts, including increased rainfall, with a network designed to seamlessly adapt to all precipitation events.
Dubai Municipality will oversee 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, highlighting its commitment to infrastructure projects that enhance sustainability and quality of life in Dubai.
It also supports Dubai’s comprehensive development plans, enhancing its global competitiveness and further improving quality of life indicators.
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 construction, operation, and maintenance costs by 20% while extending the network’s lifespan.
Furthermore, the rainwater drainage capacity through tunnels will reach 20 million cubic metres per day, with a flow capacity of 230 cubic metres per second, establishing it as the largest rainwater collection project in a single system in the region.
Advanced tunnelling equipment
The project will utilise state-of-the-art Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM), the largest of their kind in the Middle East, renowned for their efficiency, speed, and precision in excavation, capable of handling diverse topographical conditions.
These machines feature automated control systems for continuous monitoring and data analysis, coupled with advanced safety mechanisms ensuring the well-being of workers and equipment.
The meeting to approve the project was attended by several key figures including H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Lieutenant General Talal Humaid Belhoul, Mattar Al Tayer, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, and Dawoud Al Hajri, demonstrating the comprehensive support and collaboration across Dubai’s governmental bodies.
