HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a AED30 billion ($8.1 billion) integrated project 'Tasreef' aimed at developing the city's rainwater drainage network. 
 
One of the emirate’s largest strategic infrastructure projects, Tasreef will help boost the capacity of Dubai’s rainwater drainage system by 700%, covering all areas of the emirate.
 
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the continuous enhancement of Dubai’s sustainable infrastructure is integral to its growth and prosperity. The initiative aims to create a drainage infrastructure that is advanced, safe, flexible, and ready to face future challenges.
 
The strategic project is a continuation of drainage projects launched by Dubai in 2019, covering the Expo Dubai area, Al Maktoum International Airport City, and Jebel Ali. 
 
The project was approved in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
 
It supports Dubai's plans and strategies for developing a flexible, advanced, and future-ready infrastructure. As a sustainable strategic project, it addresses future climate change impacts, such as increased rainfall, with a network designed to seamlessly adapt to all rainfall events.
 
Unveiling the project, Sheikh Mohammed said: "The largest rainwater collection project in a single system in the region, the initiative will increase the capacity of the drainage network in the emirate by 700%, ensuring the emirate's readiness to face future climate-related challenges."
 
"Covering all areas of Dubai, the project will raise the drainage network’s capacity to more than 20 million cu m of water daily, meeting our needs for the next hundred years. We have directed the immediate implementation of the project, which will be completed in phases by 2033. Dubai continues to drive infrastructure and urban advancements, enhancing safety and security for everyone living in the emirate," he added.
 
The 'Tasreef' project aims to enhance rainwater and surface water drainage services with a sophisticated and highly efficient infrastructure, improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs associated with station construction, operations and maintenance by 20% and increasing the network's lifespan, said Sheikh Mohammed.
 
Additionally, the rainwater drainage capacity through tunnels will reach 20 million cubic metres per day, with a flow capacity of 230 cubic metres per second, making it the largest rainwater collection project in a single system in the region, he added.
 
Dubai Municipality will be implementing the project, adhering to the highest global technical and engineering standards. 
 
This initiative aligns with the Municipality’s strategic goals for the integrated management of rainwater drainage and the sewage system, and underscores its commitment to infrastructure projects that enhance sustainability and quality of life in Dubai. 
 
It also supports Dubai’s comprehensive development plans, boosts its global competitiveness, and further improves its quality of life indicators.
 
The project will utilise the latest Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM), the largest of their kind in the Middle East, known for their efficiency, speed, and high precision in excavation, and their ability to handle various topographical conditions. 
 
These machines feature automated control systems that enable continuous monitoring and data analysis, with advanced safety systems to ensure the safety of workers and equipment.-TradeArabia News Service