A flooded street in Al Quoz. KT Photo: Rahul Gajjar

As the UAE prepares for a increase in precipitation over the next decade, authorities launched several projects to improve crisis management and prepare for the challenges of severe weather.

Mohammed Al Dhanhani, Director of Corporate Risk Management and Business Continuity at Dubai Municipality, said: “At the end of the last rainy season, we initiated several short- and long-term projects to effectively manage rainwater accumulation in critical areas. Our goal is to increase capacity and mitigate the risks associated with heavy rainfall.”

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This proactive approach follows unprecedented rains experienced in April, which led to significant infrastructure improvements.

This happened while the Dubai Police recently hosted a seminar on ‘Crisis and Natural Disaster Management’ where various strategies were discussed. Al Dhanhani noted that 90 percent of the areas affected in the last rainy season have undergone extensive upgrades.

Among the key initiatives highlighted was the recent announcement by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, of a Dh30 billion storm drainage network project called ‘Tasreef’. scheduled to be completed by 2033. This project represents a significant investment in the city’s infrastructure, aimed at increasing its flood resistance.

Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan bin Tamim, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, stressed the need for urgent and coordinated action. He proposed the formation of a dedicated committee comprising representatives from the National Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). “The team should be led by experienced people who can handle the process professionally,” he said.

To streamline communication during emergencies, Lt. Gen. Khalfan suggested establishing a unified contact number for crisis inquiries. “Some people call the municipality, while others contact civil defense or the police. There needs to be a specific number to sort the cases and connect them immediately to the competent authority. Educating the community about this information is essential,” he stressed.

Waad Barakat

Waad Barakat is a special correspondent covering security topics from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to bring it all together with unique Gen Z-inspired content.