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UAE dams to be monitored, controlled remotely

Ras Al Khaimah - The ministry will also build new dams to make the best use of the large volumes of rainwater that fall on the northern areas of the country.

All the 134 dams in the UAE will be monitored using surveillance cameras, and water discharge gates will be controlled remotely, said a top official of the Ministry of Energy and Industry.
Fatima Al Shamsi, assistant undersecretary at the ministry, made the statement during her visit to Wadi Al Beeh Dam in Ras Al Khaimah, following the flash floods. "In the first phase, surveillance cameras will be installed at 30 dams, including Wadi Al Beeh," she said.
The ministry will also build new dams to make the best use of the large volumes of rainwater that fall on the northern areas of the country and Al Ain, Al Shamsi added.
"A full study on new tools for collecting rainwater and protecting dams will be completed next month," she said, adding that the study will include comprehensive solutions that can be applied to the mountainous areas close to the valleys. "It will assess the needs of targeted areas for the next 100 years."
Areas like Sakamkam, Dhidana and Mirbeh in Fujairah are already under the protection mechanism of the ministry. "We have contacted the bodies concerned for procedures and shall soon cover other vulnerable areas. The ministry has adopted a new manual for protection against floods. This guideline includes a number of standards to be met when designing or developing any residential area close to the valleys and estuaries.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com