Dubai approves 100-year deep-tunnel drainage system to combat extreme flooding

Dubai has approved a century-long deep-tunnel stormwater drainage system following record rainfall in April 2024. Announced at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum 2025, the initiative under the AED 30 billion Tasreef programme will increase capacity by 700%, integrate GIS for rapid response, and involve public-private partnerships. It includes a secondary tunnel in Dubai South, safeguarding infrastructure and enhancing urban resilience for the next 100 years.