Dubai Municipality Strengthens Crisis Response, Managing 12.195 Million Cubic Metres of Rainwater During “Azm” Weather System
Dubai Municipality has successfully managed the impacts of the “Azm” low-pressure weather system through an integrated operational framework designed to ensure community safety, service continuity, and rapid recovery throughout the Emirate. This response highlights Dubai’s advanced capabilities in crisis and emergency management, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most prepared cities in addressing climate-related challenges.
Comprehensive Operational Response
The Municipality activated a unified operational system, mobilizing approximately 3,500 personnel, including supervisors, engineers, field workers, and specialized rescue teams. This robust response was supported by a logistics fleet comprising over 1,210 machines and vehicles, including tankers, fixed and mobile pumps, heavy vehicles, field support units, and cranes. This extensive setup ensured a rapid and coordinated response across affected areas.
During the weather event, Dubai Municipality managed 15,150 calls and 8,466 interactions through the smart “Faris” system, resolving 4,325 reports across 249 areas. These reports included issues such as water accumulations, fallen trees, drainage blockages, and road cleaning, demonstrating the efficiency and responsiveness of the Municipality’s operational systems.
Effective Management of Rainwater
Dubai’s stormwater drainage infrastructure proved effective, managing a total of 12.195 million cubic metres of rainwater. Of this volume, 7.362 million cubic metres were handled by pumping stations, while 4.833 million cubic metres were processed through deep drainage tunnels. Additionally, 631,000 cubic metres were transported via mobile tankers across 22,250 trips.
The drainage network includes more than 124,000 drainage inlets connected to over 47,000 inspection chambers and an extensive pipeline system spanning 4.9 million linear metres, collectively enabling the drainage of over 94% of rainwater.
Phased Operational Plan
Dubai Municipality implemented a phased operational plan to effectively manage the weather event. The initial phase focused on pre-emptive readiness, which included the mobilization of field teams, deployment of equipment, and verification of infrastructure performance, such as drainage networks, retention lakes, and pumping systems.
The second phase involved activating emergency response protocols to ensure the immediate handling of water accumulations while maintaining uninterrupted municipal services. This was achieved through coordination with strategic partners via a joint operations framework. A structured recovery phase followed, aimed at completing drainage operations and restoring normal conditions across the Emirate.
Commitment to Community Safety
Eng. Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality and Head of the Stormwater Drainage Team, emphasized the strength of the integrated operational model built on preparedness, coordination, and advanced infrastructure. He stated that the priority remains the safety, wellbeing, and quality of life of the community, supported by proactive planning and rapid response capabilities.
He also affirmed the Municipality’s commitment to continuously advancing stormwater and wastewater infrastructure to meet the highest standards of resilience, sustainability, and future readiness.
High Operational Readiness
Dubai Municipality maintained high levels of operational readiness across public parks, beaches, and recreational facilities. Safety was prioritized through proactive inspections, temporary closures where necessary, and the deployment of approximately 1,000 personnel across key locations.
Advanced technologies supported operations, including beach response vehicles, electric mobility units, drones, a marine rescue robot, remote sensing systems, and automated monitoring solutions. These technologies enhanced response speed and situational awareness.
Rapid Recovery Measures
Following the weather event, Dubai Municipality implemented rapid recovery measures, enabling the reopening of beaches within six hours and public parks within 24 hours. Recovery operations included the removal of more than 159 fallen trees, clearance of 1,130 cubic metres of water, and disposal of 12,250 kilograms of waste, ensuring the safe restoration of public spaces.
The Municipality also ensured the uninterrupted operation of wastewater and stormwater stations, managing drainage flows, clearing blockages, and removing debris to maintain road safety and traffic flow across the Emirate.
These efforts underscore Dubai Municipality’s commitment to delivering safe, resilient, and world-class urban environments, even under challenging conditions.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-03-31 17:43:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk