Dubai's rainwater drainage capacity to increase by 700 per cent on completion of Tasreef project

Dubai's rainwater drainage capacity is set to surge sevenfold following the completion of the Dh30 billion Tasreef project. The ambitious infrastructure initiative aims to safeguard the emirate from extreme weather events and cater to its burgeoning population for the foreseeable future. Upon completion, the system will be capable of managing over 20 million cubic meters of water daily, complemented by more than 6,500 kilometers of drainage networks and more than 5,000 kilometers of sewage systems, as per plans presented by Dubai Municipality.

Director General Marwan bin Ghalita revealed that the Tasreef scheme was launched in 2024 in response to the city's heavy flooding in April of the same year. Rather than merely addressing the aftermath, authorities opted for a long-term strategy to bolster Dubai's resilience against future storms. "Dubai didn't just assess the damage or search for solutions; it swiftly made a bold decision to initiate a drainage program designed to serve the city for the next 100 years," Ghalita stated.

In June 2025, Dubai Municipality concluded a Dh277 million sewerage and rainwater drainage network in Nad Al Sheba, while in April 2025, the drainage network in Al Quoz Creative Zone was finalized. The Tasreef project, slated for completion in 2033, builds upon previous drainage projects initiated by Dubai in 2019, encompassing the Expo Dubai area, Al Maktoum International Airport City, and Jebel Ali.

The new projects will benefit crucial areas such as Nad Al Hamar, and the vicinity of Dubai International Airport, Garhoud, Rashidiya, Al Quoz, Zabeel, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, and Al Bada'a.

Speaking at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, Ghalita highlighted Dubai's investments in infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and contemporary construction techniques to enhance residents' quality of life and prepare for forthcoming urban growth. The presentation also featured Saeed, Dubai Municipality's virtual spokesperson, who outlined a vision for the emirate's infrastructure and public services in 2033 by embracing technologies such as 3D printing, robotic construction systems, modular building methods, and AI.

Dubai's Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2040 aims to convert waste into energy, while the municipality is transitioning towards smart operational systems that employ robots for cleaning tasks and autonomous cleaning vehicles in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority. Dubai is also constructing a comprehensive digital twin of the city and a control center that utilizes real-time data to oversee operations and facilitate decision-making.

Ghalita emphasized that Dubai's accomplishments are driven by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. "Dubai is a city of action" is the motto that has empowered the emirate to continue delivering results, he remarked. Dubai's greening program seeks to plant 3.5 million trees and expand green and cultivated areas to 187 square kilometers by 2040, with annual park visits projected to reach 95 million as public spaces for walking, exercise, and recreation are expanded.

Food safety is another priority, with municipal teams inspecting more than 577,000 food consignments annually, representing around 2.706 billion food products. Collaboration with government entities, including Dubai Customs, aids in expediting and refining inspections, with initiatives like DM Check and Montaji leveraging digital tools and artificial intelligence to bolster food safety monitoring.

Ghalita affirmed that the progress detailed in the presentation reflects the combined efforts of municipal teams and the emirate's leadership. "Everything you have seen today is the result of the combined efforts of our teams," he asserted, underscoring that a clear vision and collective commitment are paramount to realizing Dubai's long-term aspirations.

"What we are constructing and developing today is what Dubai will be in the future. Our goal is to make Dubai a city with advanced infrastructure, smart and prepared to confront challenges."