Following a record-breaking rainfall in April that led to widespread flooding, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the implementation of enhanced flood defenses across the city's metro system. Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, detailed the new measures aimed at safeguarding the metro against future extreme weather events.
The recent initiative focuses on the existing Red and Green lines and the upcoming Blue Line, which is slated to become operational in September 2029. The enhancements include the installation of protective barriers at particularly vulnerable stations and improvements in overall infrastructure resilience. "The flooding that occurred was not due to flawed metro design; it was an unprecedented event, with rainfall reaching 250mm in less than 24 hours," Al Tayer explained. He reassured the public that the RTA has taken significant steps to prevent a recurrence of such events.
Part of the RTA's strategic response has been to understand the specific vulnerabilities within the metro network. Some stations, particularly those in low-lying areas, were identified as high-risk for flooding. Al Tayer noted that the design of the metro system, while robust, did not originally account for such extreme weather scenarios, given that the UAE typically averages only 140-200mm of rainfall annually.
In response to these challenges, the RTA has now equipped the metro system with what Al Tayer calls "future-proof solutions." These include not only physical barriers but also advanced drainage systems that are designed to handle larger volumes of water. The RTA has also focused on enhancing the metro stations' overall infrastructure to ensure that flooding can be controlled and contained more effectively should similar weather conditions occur.
Furthermore, the Dh20.5 billion allocated for new transport projects now includes considerations for climate change impacts, such as heavy rainfall and potential flooding. These projects are set to adhere to LEED-certified green building standards, making them environmentally sustainable while also enhancing their resilience to climate-related challenges.
Al Tayer also highlighted the governmental support following the floods, with the Dubai Government quickly allocating Dh1.5 billion to address and repair flood damages at 14 affected locations. "More than 90 percent of the work has been completed, providing permanent solutions to prevent future flooding," he added.
With these comprehensive measures in place, the RTA assures residents and visitors that Dubai's metro system is well-prepared to handle any similar occurrences in the future, thereby maintaining the safety and efficiency of the city's public transport network.
