Dubai floods: UAE megacity unveils Dh30 billion ‘Tasreef’ project to tackle climate-related disasters
Climate change has been making lives difficult for billions across the globe, and the UAE is no exception. The Gulf state received 1.5 years of rainfall in just 24 hours earlier this year, leading to unprecedented chaos in multiple portions of the country.
Governments had to extend remote learning for schools to ensure the safety of students and faculty members. Several airports took a hit and the metro and tram services also faced suspensions. Public and private sector companies issued remote work mandates.
Experts blamed climate change at the time for the unprecedented meteorological occurence. Some people on social media speculated that the UAE’s cloud seeding or artificial rain programme could be responsible. But the National Centre of Meteorology put an end to doubts.
One of Dubai’s largest strategic infrastructure projects
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently announced the ‘Tasreef’ project aimed at enhancing the capacity of Dubai’s rainwater drainage system by 700%, covering all areas of the emirate.
Featuring a total cost of Dh30 billion, the initiative is one of the largest strategic infrastructure projects of Dubai. It seeks to create a drainage infrastructure that is advanced, safe, flexible and ready to address different challenges of the future.
The ‘Tasreef’ project is a continuation of drainage projects launched by the emirate in 2019. It supports the city’s plans and strategies for developing a flexible, advanced and future-ready infrastructure. It is designed to seamlessly adapt to all rainfall events.
Tasreef project to be completed in phases by 2033
The ambitious ‘Tasreef’ project is set to utilise the latest Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM), the largest of their kind in the vast Middle East. These machines are prominent for their efficiency, speed, high precision and ability to handle different topographical conditions.
Dubai Municipality is ready to implement the project, adhering to the highest global technical and engineering standards. The initiative supports Dubai’s comprehensive development plans, improving its global competitiveness and its quality of life indicators.
The ‘Tasreef’ project is expected to be completed in phases by 2033. Covering all areas of the emirate, it is set to raise the drainage system’s capacity to more than 20 million cubic metres of water daily, meeting the city’s needs for the next hundred years, said Mohammed bin Rashid.
