Dubai has approved a 100-year deep-tunnel drainage system following last year’s record rainfall. The announcement came at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The forum, attended by 1,000 government and private sector leaders, highlighted the deep-tunnel system’s role in protecting the city and boosting resilience.
Storms spur action
Dubai’s extraordinary rainfall in April 2024, which overwhelmed existing drainage networks, became the catalyst for immediate infrastructure reforms. Roads flooded, commutes stalled, and city systems were stretched, highlighting vulnerabilities in stormwater management. According to Khaleej Times, the city acted swiftly, approving a comprehensive deep-tunnel drainage project designed to serve Dubai for the next 100 years.Speaking at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum 2025, Dubai Municipality’s Acting Director General, Eng. Marwan Bin Ghalita, described the storm as “a blessing” that accelerated long-planned improvements. He emphasised the collaborative spirit that emerged during the crisis:“The first benefit for me is the collaboration of all parties as one team, and the message that no entity is to blame for anything; we are one team that must solve this crisis.”
Dubai’s 100-year drainage plan
The initiative forms part of the Tasreef programme, Dubai’s AED 30 billion long-term stormwater development plan, which aims to extend drainage coverage across the emirate by 2033. The programme will increase capacity by 700%, managing over 20 million cubic metres of water per day, while reducing construction and operating costs for pumping stations by 20%. Implementation includes designing and constructing deep tunnel infrastructure with a maximum flow rate of four cubic metres per second. Previous phases enhanced groundwater and stormwater systems in areas such as Al Maktoum City, Expo City, and the Airport District.
Strategic partnerships and smart technology
Dubai Municipality has partnered with Dubai South in an AED 150 million agreement to build a secondary stormwater tunnel connecting the district’s network to the deep-tunnel system via Expo Road. This connection will improve surface runoff management, reduce flooding risks, and protect roads, buildings, and public assets.In addition to building physical infrastructure, Dubai Municipality is leveraging sophisticated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to boost the city’s readiness for extreme weather. By running detailed simulations, the team has identified high-risk zones, allowing for faster, more targeted responses when floods or storms strike. Bin Ghalita highlighted the importance of technology in crisis management:“The most important benefit we need to build on is the integration of systems in databases because when a crisis happens, you need data from everywhere. Today, we are working on establishing the infrastructure, as we mentioned, for drainage and tunnels, as well as a robust database that provides clear data, enabling you to make quick decisions.” The project relies heavily on public-private partnerships, reflecting Dubai’s appeal as a global collaborator. Bin Ghalita noted,“The beautiful thing about this is our partnership with the private sector. Today, Dubai as a brand is something everyone wants to work with; every global company wants to collaborate with you, and the project has started implementation.”
Preparing Dubai for the future
The deep-tunnel drainage system and the broader Tasreef programme align with Dubai Economic Agenda D33, ensuring the city’s infrastructure meets international standards and keeps pace with population growth. By integrating advanced planning, GIS mapping, and robust data systems, Dubai aims to transform its stormwater management into a model of efficiency and resilience. With the combination of cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and large-scale construction, the project promises a safer, more sustainable urban environment, ensuring that Dubai is prepared for extreme weather events for the next century.
