Dubai awards Dh3 billion in contracts to expand stormwater drainage network

Dubai has awarded Dh3 billion in contracts to expand the city's stormwater drainage network, as part of a broader initiative to increase rainwater drainage capacity by 700% by 2033. This third phase of the Dh30 billion Tasreef programme involves constructing and extending 100km of main drainage lines, with capacities up to three meters, across 100 square kilometers of residential, commercial, industrial, and tourism areas.

Marwan bin Ghalita, director general of Dubai Municipality, emphasized the city's proactive approach, stating that rather than merely assessing the damage or seeking solutions, Dubai made a bold decision to initiate a drainage program that will serve the emirate for the next 100 years.

The Tasreef scheme was launched in 2024 following severe flooding caused by unprecedented rainfall in April 2023. In June 2025, the municipality completed a Dh277 million sewerage and rainwater drainage network in Nad Al Sheba, and in April 2026, the drainage network in Al Quoz Creative Zone was completed. The Tasreef programme aims to increase Dubai's rainwater drainage capacity sevenfold, enabling the system to handle over 20 million cubic meters of water daily once completed.

The project is set for completion in 2033, designed to meet Dubai's drainage needs for the next century.

In addition to the main drainage network expansion, the municipality has prepared 10 temporary water collection lakes in strategic locations to accommodate rainwater runoff during heavy rainfall, reducing pressure on the main drainage networks.