THE DUBAI FLOOD DAMAGE: NOW THE SUN’S COME OUT – WHAT’S NEXT? Part 2

THE TASREEF PROJECT

Following April’s unprecedented storm that submerged parts of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the ‘Tasreef’ project which aims to develop Dubai’s rainwater drainage network.

With an estimated cost of AED 30 billion (8 billion USD), the initiative is one of the emirate’s largest strategic infrastructure projects. The Tasreef project will:

• Enhance the capacity of Dubai’s rainwater drainage system by 700%, covering all areas of the emirate;
• Span nine years, with immediate construction commencement; and
• Utilise Tunnel Boring Machines in the construction process to ensure an efficient and quick project timeline.

The project will raise the drainage network’s capacity to more than 20 million cubic metres of water daily, with a flow capacity of 230 cubic metres per second, making it the largest rainwater collection project in a single system in the region. The project is set to be completed in phases by 2033.

Successful completion of the Tasreef project could have significant implications on both the insurance and the construction industries in the UAE.  Notably:

• The project will reduce flood risk in the emirate of Dubai, making properties and infrastructure more insurable, which may lead to a reduction in claims related to flood damage in future.
• The improved flood resilience in the emirate may lead to insurers reassessing premiums, particularly in lower-risk areas.
• Reinsurers may evaluate Dubai’s enhanced flood defences when pricing reinsurance contracts for local insurers.
• A number of contractors and consultants stand to gain substantial revenue from the Tasreef project given the scale and timeline of the project.

It is encouraging to see the Government take such decisive action following April’s extraordinary flooding.  This is a significant leap toward flood resilience in the emirate and ensures Dubai’s readiness to face future climate-related challenges.