Dubai launches emergency plans as UAE prepares for 'increased rainfall' in next 10 years

As the UAE braces for an increase in rainfall over the next decade, authorities have launched several projects aimed at enhancing crisis management and preparing for the challenges posed by 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 manage rainwater accumulation effectively 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 the unprecedented rains experienced in April, prompting significant infrastructure improvements.

This came as the Dubai Police recently hosted a seminar on 'Crisis and Natural Disaster Management’, where various strategies were discussed. Al Dhanhani noted that 90 per cent of the affected areas from 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, about a Dh30 billion rain drainage network project named 'Tasreef,' scheduled for completion by 2033. This project represents a significant investment in the city’s infrastructure, aimed at enhancing its resilience against flooding.

Lt-Gen Dhahi Khalfan bin Tamim, deputy chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, emphasised the necessity for urgent and coordinated action. He proposed forming a dedicated committee comprising representatives from the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). "The team should be led by experienced individuals who can manage the process professionally," he said.

To streamline communication during emergencies, Lieutenant-General Khalfan suggested establishing a unified contact number for crisis inquiries. "Some people call the municipality, while others contact civil defence or police. There must be a specific number to sort cases and connect them to the relevant authority immediately. Community education on this information is essential," he stressed.

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