Dubai reveals Dh150m stormwater tunnel project to reduce flood risk in Dubai South

Dubai: Dubai Municipality has signed a strategic partnership with Dubai South worth Dh150 million to build a new stormwater drainage tunnel in the residential district of Dubai South.

The initiative is part of the Dh30billion Tasreef project, Dubai’s flagship infrastructure programme aimed at building future-ready systems that improve urban resilience and sustainability.

The agreement will see the construction of a secondary stormwater tunnel that links Dubai South’s drainage network to Dubai Municipality’s deep tunnel infrastructure via Expo Road. Once completed, the connection will significantly boost stormwater and surface runoff management, helping to minimise flooding risks and protect public roads, buildings, and key infrastructure.

The project supports Dubai’s commitment to international infrastructure standards and aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which outlines the city’s long-term development vision.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “Developing stormwater drainage systems remains one of our strategic priorities. Through the Tasreef programme, we’re building a comprehensive, unified network of deep tunnels to serve the emirate for the next 100 years.”

He added: “Our partnership with Dubai South underscores our collective efforts to deliver advanced infrastructure that supports Dubai’s ambitions to be a leading sustainable and resilient city.”

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, highlighted the importance of the initiative in addressing regional growth. “This marks a milestone in our plan to provide a resilient and integrated urban environment. The new drainage system is a forward-looking solution that supports our goal of accommodating one million residents in Dubai South,” he said.

The Tasreef project is a Dh30 billion, long-term drainage development programme led by Dubai Municipality and set for completion by 2033. The project will extend stormwater coverage across all areas of the emirate, increasing capacity by 700 per cent to manage over 20 million cubic metres of water daily. It will also reduce the construction and operational costs of pumping stations by 20 per cent and features deep tunnel systems capable of handling up to four cubic metres of water per second.

Earlier phases of the project have already improved stormwater infrastructure in key areas such as Al Maktoum City, Expo City, and the Airport District.