Dubai floods: Emirate unveils ‘Tasreef’ project to prepare for climate change-led disasters

The UAE recorded an unprecedented meteorological occurrence earlier this year as the country received 1.5 years of rainfall in just 24 hours. Climate experts noted at the time that it was highly likely that disaster had been exacerbated by human-caused climate change.

In an effort to better prepare for such disasters, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the ‘Tasreef’ project to enhance the capacity of Dubai’s rainwater drainage system by 700%.

Featuring a total cost of Dh30 billion, the initiative is a continuation of drainage projects launched by Dubai in 2019. It supports the emirate’s plans and strategies for developing a flexible, advanced and future-ready infrastructure.

Tasreef project to address future climate change impacts

His Highness emphasised that the continuous enhancement of Dubai’s sustainable infrastructure is integral to its development and prosperity. The project seeks a drainage infrastructure that is advanced, safe, flexible and ready for future challenges.

The ‘Tasreef’ project is aimed at addressing future climate change impacts, such as increased rainfall. It also supports the city’s comprehensive development plans, boosts its global competitiveness and further improves its quality of life indicators.

The initiative shall use the latest Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM), the largest of their kind in the Middle East – prominent for their efficiency, speed and high precision. These machines enable continuous monitoring and data analysis and use advanced safety systems.

Dubai Tasreef project to be completed in phases by 2033

Many people on social media have speculated that the UAE’s cloud seeding programme, or artificial rain, is behind the rainfall. But the National Centre of Meteorology put an end to the doubts, confirming that no cloud seeding missions took place at the time.

HH Sheikh Mohammed said: “The largest rainwater collection project in a single system in the region, the initiative will increase the capacity of the drainage network in the emirate by 700%, ensuring the emirate’s readiness to face future climate-related challenges.”

“Covering all areas of Dubai, the project will raise the drainage network’s capacity to more than 20 million cubic metres of water daily, meeting our needs for the next 100 years.” The ‘Tasreef’ project is expected to be completed in phases by 2033.