Dubai Takes Proactive Steps to Safeguard Residents from Disasters

Dubai: In a proactive effort to safeguard residents and critical infrastructure from natural disasters such as floods, Dubai authorities are enhancing their preparedness and response strategies. This follows the significant disruptions caused by record rainfall in April, which led to widespread flooding across the UAE.

This focus on disaster preparedness was highlighted at a seminar titled Crisis and Natural Disaster Management, which was organized by Dubai Police and launched by Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Director of Police and Public Security in Dubai. The seminar, held on Monday, was attended by senior government officials, including the heads of various departments and crisis management experts, aiming to discuss strategies for managing severe weather conditions and related emergencies.

Among the key attendees were Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; Lieutenant General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Defence; Ahmed Mohammed Bin Thani, Director-General of the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority; Dr. Saif Jumaa Al Zaabi, Director of the National Operations Centre at the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management, and other prominent figures in crisis management.

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During the seminar, Lt Gen Tamim emphasized the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to disaster management, particularly in the face of extreme weather events like heavy rains and flash floods. He highlighted the importance of improving crisis management mechanisms, upgrading infrastructure, and raising community awareness to reduce the risks associated with such disasters.

He pointed out that while quick responses during a disaster are critical, it is equally essential to have early, proactive planning and inter-agency coordination to prevent such disasters or mitigate their impact. He also stressed the importance of learning from international best practices in disaster management, ensuring that the UAE is better prepared for future events.

Lt Gen Tamim called for the development of specialized equipment and vehicles for law enforcement and rescue teams, ensuring that they can operate safely even during extreme weather conditions. Additionally, he emphasized the need for timely and accurate meteorological warnings to prevent the accumulation of water and protect both individuals and infrastructure.

He also stressed the significance of educating the public on how to respond during crises, including the importance of adhering to official guidelines and ensuring that individuals are equipped with the knowledge to stay safe. "Community preparedness is key," he noted, advocating for education on insurance, personal safety, and emergency responses.

The seminar explored several critical issues, including flood-prone areas in the UAE. The authorities discussed how these areas could be mapped and identified to improve response efforts and enhance the resilience of Dubai’s infrastructure to flooding. The seminar also highlighted the ongoing projects aimed at improving rainwater drainage systems, with specific emphasis on those areas most vulnerable to flooding.

Earlier this year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, announced the ‘Tasreef’ project. This Dh30 billion rainwater drainage project is expected to be completed by 2033 and aims to significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the emirate.

At the conclusion of the seminar, the participants presented several key recommendations aimed at improving disaster response capabilities. These included establishing a committee composed of representatives from the National Authority for Crisis and Disaster Management, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the National Center of Meteorology. This committee would focus on creating urgent and practical solutions to handle heavy rainfall and flooding.

The authorities also proposed setting up a unified contact number for public inquiries during crises and natural disasters, ensuring a streamlined communication process. Additionally, there was an emphasis on developing specialized devices, equipment, and vehicles to assist in safe passage for road users and to facilitate rescue operations during heavy rainfall and floods.

There was also a call for establishing a policy to take meteorological warnings seriously and preparing in advance for potential water accumulation crises. Public education campaigns would also be developed to ensure residents understand the importance of adhering to official instructions during times of crisis.

The discussion also focused on identifying flood-prone areas and improving the response strategies in these locations. Mohammed Al Dhanhani, director of corporate risk management and business continuity at Dubai Municipality, shared updates on the ongoing upgrades to key areas that had previously been identified as vulnerable. After last season’s heavy rains, Dubai Municipality launched several short- and long-term initiatives to better manage rainwater accumulation. Al Dhanhani reported that 90 percent of the identified areas have been upgraded and are now better equipped to handle future natural disasters.

Muhannad Khalid Al Muhairi, director of the commercial transport activities department at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), mentioned that they are working closely with the Dubai Municipality to install water pumps in flood-prone areas. These pumps are designed to help channel excess water and prevent flooding during heavy rains. This collaborative approach ensures that all relevant government agencies are working in tandem to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

Dubai’s comprehensive approach to natural disaster management reflects the city’s commitment to improving resilience and enhancing public safety. By focusing on proactive planning, collaboration across government agencies, and the implementation of advanced infrastructure projects, Dubai is positioning itself to better handle future crises. The ongoing efforts to improve flood management systems, along with the continued development of emergency response protocols, are expected to significantly reduce the risks posed by natural disasters.