Dubai is taking significant strides in protecting itself from future flooding with the approval of a deep-tunnel drainage project that aims to safeguard the city for the next century. This infrastructure initiative, which has already begun implementation, forms a critical part of Dubai’s broader strategy to build long-term resilience against extreme weather events. The project was fast-tracked following the heavy rains of April 2024, which highlighted vulnerabilities in the city’s drainage system.
A Response to the 2024 Flooding
The approval of this ambitious drainage project was announced at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum 2025. During the forum, Eng Marwan Bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, reflected on the lessons learned from the severe rainfall in April 2024. He called the event a “blessing” that prompted much-needed infrastructure changes, emphasising the collaborative response from both government and private sector entities. “The first benefit for me is the collaboration of all parties as one team,” Bin Ghalita remarked.
While acknowledging that no drainage system could have handled the unprecedented volume of rainfall, the incident accelerated plans for a major overhaul of Dubai’s infrastructure. The event demonstrated the urgency of creating smarter, long-term solutions to prevent future flooding.
The Deep-Tunnel Drainage Project
The deep-tunnel drainage system represents one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken by Dubai. With a lifespan of 100 years, the tunnels will provide a critical safeguard against flooding for generations to come. The project is being implemented in partnership with the private sector, a key component of Dubai’s infrastructure development strategy.
Bin Ghalita stressed the importance of these public-private collaborations, noting that Dubai’s global reputation makes it an attractive destination for world-class expertise and investment. “Today, Dubai as a brand is something everyone wants to work with,” he said, emphasising the value of these partnerships in advancing such ambitious projects.
Embracing Technology for Resilience
In addition to the physical infrastructure improvements, Dubai Municipality is leveraging advanced technology to enhance the city’s flood resilience. The municipality is incorporating cutting-edge Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to map and analyse areas most vulnerable to flooding. By conducting detailed simulations, the GIS team can identify high-risk zones and implement targeted flood management strategies.
This technology also plays a crucial role in crisis management. The integration of systems and databases ensures that all government entities have access to real-time data during emergencies, enabling rapid decision-making. Bin Ghalita highlighted the importance of seamless data flow, stating, “The disaster management and control centre needs data. Today, we are working on establishing the infrastructure for drainage and tunnels, as well as a robust database that provides clear data.”
Looking to the Future
As Dubai continues to grow and develop, the deep-tunnel drainage project is a crucial step in ensuring that the emirate is prepared for the challenges posed by climate change and urban expansion. With the combination of forward-thinking infrastructure, private-sector collaboration, and innovative technology, Dubai is positioning itself to manage future weather events and continue its transformation into a global leader in urban resilience.
For more on Dubai’s efforts to position itself as a leader in innovation, check out our article on FBIS 2025 illuminating Dubai with a global celebration of innovation and leadership.
