UAE rains: Dubai cleans drains, prepares temporary lakes ahead of unstable weather

Dubai Municipality has placed 675 personnel and around 1,100 specialised vehicles and machines on standby as the emirate prepares for expected heavy rainfall. The authority has also prepared emergency water-collection sites and strengthened drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of water accumulation during unsettled weather.

As part of its preparations, the municipality has cleaned more than 70,000 drainage inlets and readied 10 temporary water-collection lakes across Dubai.

675 Personnel to Provide Round-the-Clock Emergency Response

Dubai Municipality has assembled a 675-member rapid-response team comprising engineers, supervisors, drivers and field workers. The team will remain available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies and manage rainwater accumulation.

Around 1,100 specialised vehicles, pumps, machines and other equipment will support the operation. Field teams will be deployed according to rainfall intensity, affected locations and the urgency of incoming reports.

The preparations also include preventive maintenance of stormwater drainage networks, inspections of wastewater treatment plants and checks to ensure that drainage infrastructure is ready for the rainy period.

10 Temporary Lakes Prepared to Manage Rainwater

The municipality has prepared 10 temporary water-collection lakes at strategic locations to collect runoff during heavy rainfall. These sites are designed to reduce pressure on Dubai's main drainage network and help manage excess water.

Wastewater treatment plants have also developed flexible operational plans to divert water to the temporary lakes when required.

In addition, the authority has inspected drainage infrastructure, cleaned inlets and gravity pipelines, and checked the operational readiness of network components. It is coordinating with real estate developers and free zone authorities to assess the condition of their drainage systems and other infrastructure.

Dubai Prioritises Public Safety During Unstable Weather

Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality and head of its Rainwater Drainage Team, said the safety of residents and visitors remained the authority's priority.

He explained that Dubai Municipality had established an integrated response system combining specialised teams, advanced equipment and flexible operational plans. These measures aim to ensure that infrastructure and emergency resources can respond effectively to changing weather conditions and address reports according to their urgency.

Previous Rainfall Experiences Help Improve Preparedness

Dubai Municipality has reviewed locations that experienced water accumulation during previous periods of unstable weather. The findings have helped the authority improve emergency response plans, strengthen drainage networks and identify areas where additional equipment and field teams may be needed.

The municipality's Command and Control Centre will monitor weather developments and emergency reports around the clock.

It will coordinate with Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Civil Defense and the Dubai Resilience Centre under the supervision of the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai.

The authority has also conducted weather simulations and field training exercises to assess how quickly its teams can respond to flooding and heavy rainfall.

Mosquito Control Measures Strengthened

Alongside its rainwater management preparations, Dubai Municipality has increased mosquito surveillance in areas where standing water could create breeding grounds.

The authority has deployed mosquito traps, spraying devices, thermal fogging machines and sample-testing units to support monitoring and control efforts.

These measures aim to limit the risk of mosquito breeding following rainfall and the accumulation of stagnant water.

Residents Urged to Keep Drains Clear

Dubai Municipality has urged residents and property owners to take preventive steps to reduce the risk of rainwater entering buildings.

Residents should keep rainwater drains clear, particularly in properties with basements, and ensure that non-return valves are working properly. These valves help prevent water from flowing back into buildings.

People can report rainwater accumulation and related emergencies through Dubai Municipality's Contact Centre on 800900 or via its official WhatsApp service.

The municipality's preparations form part of a wider effort to protect residents, maintain essential infrastructure and improve Dubai's ability to respond to heavy rainfall and changing weather conditions.