Dubai has approved an ambitious $8.2 billion project to develop the emirate’s rainwater drainage network two months after severe flooding paralyzed the city.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, hailed the network as the largest in the region.

The new network aims to boost Dubai’s rainwater drainage capacity by 700%, significantly enhancing the emirate’s preparedness for future climate challenges. 

It will collect over 20 million cubic meters of water daily, ensuring Dubai’s water needs are met for the next century.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the project will cover all areas of Dubai and absorb more rainfall than the current infrastructure. Construction will commence immediately and proceed in stages, concluding in 2033.

According to Sheikh Mohammed, this initiative will help Dubai “maintain its infrastructure and urban gains” while enhancing safety and security for all residents.

In April, the UAE was struck by historic rainfall. Torrential downpours turned streets into rivers and flooded homes, crippling infrastructure and leaving a trail of devastation.

The city’s lack of adequate storm drains exacerbated the flooding, causing significant disruptions at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest.

The unprecedented rainfall, the heaviest in the UAE’s 75-year recorded history, submerged Dubai, resulting in at least four fatalities. The UAE government subsequently announced $544 million to repair the homes of Emirati families impacted by the flooding.

“We learned great lessons in dealing with severe rains,” said Sheikh Mohammed after a cabinet meeting in April, adding that ministers approved “two billion dirhams to deal with damage to the homes of citizens.”

In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed said the project will enhance the emirate’s readiness for future climate challenges.