In anticipation of incoming unstable weather, Dubai Municipality has launched a comprehensive preparation strategy to protect the city’s infrastructure. A dedicated team of 675 personnel, ranging from engineers to field workers, is on standby 24/7, supported by a fleet of over 1,100 specialized machines and pumps. The authorities have already cleared more than 70,000 drainage inlets and inspected key gravity pipelines to ensure the network can handle heavy runoff. To further alleviate pressure on the main system, ten temporary lakes have been strategically established to collect excess rainwater, while treatment plants have finalized diversion plans to manage potential flooding effectively.

This proactive approach is rooted in lessons learned from previous wet spells, with officials using data from past water accumulation sites to optimize their current response plans. A centralized Command and Control Centre will monitor the situation around the clock in coordination with local police, civil defense, and transport authorities. Beyond managing flood risks, the municipality is also taking steps to mitigate health concerns by deploying mosquito control measures in areas where water might pool. Residents and property owners are encouraged to play their part by ensuring basement drains remain clear and checking their own non-return valves, with a dedicated hotline and WhatsApp service available for reporting any weather-related emergencies.