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Dubai Municipality has confirmed it is closely monitoring prevailing weather conditions across Dubai and the wider UAE, as specialised teams continue to work around the clock to manage conditions on the ground and ensure uninterrupted city operations.
According to a Dubai Media Office report, the municipality said its actions are part of extensive year-round preparations designed to manage weather fluctuations and mitigate potential disruptions. These preparations focus on strengthening infrastructure resilience, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and maintaining the smooth flow of daily life across the emirate.
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Dubai Municipality emphasised that its current efforts are anchored in a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring the optimal performance of infrastructure under all weather conditions. This approach is intended to safeguard lives and property while preserving traffic flow and service continuity throughout the city.
As part of these preparations, the municipality completed a wide range of preventive and technical checks, including extensive inspection and maintenance of stormwater drainage networks across Dubai. These measures were implemented to ensure systems remain fully operational during periods of heavy rainfall.
The municipality also confirmed the installation of 60 kilometres of above-ground pumping lines. These lines are designed to accelerate water discharge at critical locations during intense rain spells, reducing the risk of water accumulation and pressure on existing drainage infrastructure.
Expanding capacity through temporary solutions
To further strengthen its ability to manage excess rainwater, Dubai Municipality completed the construction of six temporary lakes in key areas. These additions complement existing rainwater collection lakes, which together provide a combined storage capacity of up to 600,000 cubic metres.
According to the municipality, these measures play a critical role in easing pressure on primary drainage networks while enabling efficient management of rainwater runoff during heavy rains. Pumping lines have also been connected to 10 main outfalls, including the Dubai Water Canal, Dubai Creek, the sea, and the deep tunnel system. This integrated setup ensures water is discharged safely and rapidly when required.
Operational readiness has included intensified cleaning of rainwater drainage inlets, internal filters, and gradient lines across the emirate. The municipality also inspected and maintained more than 84,000 drainage inlets located within real estate development areas.
These works were carried out in coordination with real estate developers and free zones to ensure network efficiency and unified preparedness both before and during rainfall events. The municipality highlighted that collaboration with multiple stakeholders remains central to maintaining citywide resilience.
Emergency response system activated
Dubai Municipality has activated a comprehensive emergency response system operating 24/7. The system is staffed by highly trained specialised teams and supported by advanced logistical equipment and ultra-modern machinery.
Designed to respond swiftly to water accumulation, emergency blockages, and public reports from across the emirate, the system is further reinforced through pre-approved contracts with private-sector partners. These partnerships allow for additional water pumping and transportation support when needed, enhancing response speed and flexibility.
Leadership outlines integrated approach
Eng. Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Head of the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality, and Head of the Rainwater Drainage Team in the emirate, said the municipality follows an integrated approach based on preparedness, infrastructure efficiency, and operational capability.
“Our preparations this year included flexible engineering and operational solutions, including the creation of temporary and collection lakes, the expansion of pumping networks, and their integration with multiple outfalls,” he said. “These measures ensure effective management of inclement weather scenarios while safeguarding community safety and ensuring the continuity of daily life.”
He added that strong coordination with government partners involved in emergency management is a key priority. This coordination supports role integration, rapid response, and timely decision-making through flexible plans that adapt to evolving weather conditions.
Training, drills, and public guidance
Dubai Municipality also confirmed close coordination with strategic partners, real estate developers, and relevant entities, alongside training programmes and field exercises for technical teams. These initiatives are designed to improve response speed, accuracy, and overall operational efficiency.
The municipality’s efforts included simulation exercises and field drills to strengthen team readiness in handling weather-related reports and to enhance communication with call centres.
Dubai Municipality has called on community members to follow public safety guidance, exercise caution during periods of unstable weather, and promptly report any waterlogging or emergency situations through the Dubai Municipality Contact Centre on 800900 or via WhatsApp. Residents are also urged to stay informed through official weather alerts and bulletins issued by relevant authorities in the UAE.
