Dubai Unveils $75M Mega-Drainage Network in Nad Al Sheba

Dubai Municipality has completed a $75m sewerage and rainwater drainage network in Nad Al Sheba, marking a major infrastructure milestone for the emirate. The AED 277 million project covers 340 hectares and serves about 300 land plots in the Nad Al Sheba 3 area. The development has 24 km of sewerage pipelines and 11 km of household connections that boost the region’s waste management capabilities.

The new infrastructure features a powerful rainwater pumping station that handles 4,000 liters of water per second, which makes the area much more resilient to floods. A 31 km gravity-based drainage network improves stormwater flow and reduces flooding risks. This project is part of Dubai’s broader infrastructure initiatives, including the AED30 billion ($8.2 billion) ‘Tasreef’ program for rainwater drainage and the AED80 billion ($21.8 billion) sewerage system upgrade project.

Dubai completes $75M drainage network in Nad Al Sheba

_{Image Source: Arabian Business}

Dubai Municipality has completed the Nad Al Sheba 3 infrastructure project with a detailed sewerage and rainwater drainage network. This major development required an investment of AED 277 million (approximately $75 million), showing Dubai’s steadfast dedication to building resilient infrastructure systems for the future.

The completed network spans 24 kilometers with sewerage lines between 200 to 800 millimeters in diameter. The system also includes 11 kilometers of household connections that will boost public health and support environmental sustainability in the region.

One of the project’s highlights is its innovative rainwater management system. A modern pumping station can handle 4,000 liters per second. This works alongside a 31-kilometer gravity drainage pipeline network that reduces flooding risks during heavy rainfall.

Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, called it “a significant step towards connecting all areas of Dubai to a fully integrated sewerage and rainwater drainage network.” This infrastructure upgrade prepares the emirate for climate challenges expected over the next century.

More than 12,000 residents will benefit from these improvements. Schools, clinics, local businesses, and athletic facilities in Nad Al Sheba will now have better access and can operate smoothly during bad weather.

The project team’s efficiency stands out remarkably. They finished months ahead of the early 2026 schedule by using innovative construction methods and effective project management.

This network serves as the life-blood of Dubai’s broader infrastructure vision. It blends perfectly with the emirate’s two mega-projects: the AED 30 billion ‘Tasreef’ rainwater initiative and the AED 80 billion sewerage system upgrade program.

New system installs 66 km of pipelines and high-capacity pump

Nad Al Sheba 3’s largest drainage infrastructure spans 340 hectares and serves about 300 land plots with 66 kilometers of pipelines. Three main components work together to manage water effectively throughout the development.

A sophisticated 24-kilometer sewerage system serves as the network’s foundation, with pipeline diameters from 200 to 800 millimeters. These main lines connect to Dubai Municipality’s primary sewerage network and ensure uninterrupted integration with existing city systems.

Engineers have added 11 kilometers of household connections to enhance the main sewerage lines. These crucial links connect homes, residential units, and other properties directly to the main network. Local residents and businesses in the Nad Al Sheba 3 community now have reliable sanitation services.

A 31-kilometer gravity-based drainage pipeline network handles rainwater management as the third vital component. This system has diameters between 250 and 1,500 millimeters and maximizes water flow during heavy rainfall. The gravity-based design reduces the need for extra pumping stations and cuts long-term operational costs.

The new infrastructure’s crown jewel is its high-capacity pumping station. This advanced facility processes 4,000 liters of water per second. Such capacity handles large volumes during storms easily. Modern engineering principles ensure optimal drainage management even in extreme weather.

The gravity-based system follows time-tested engineering standards. Pipe gradients maintain self-cleansing velocities above 0.75 m/s at peak flow. This prevents sediment buildup during low flow periods and eliminates common drainage system maintenance problems.

Dubai Municipality’s strict guidelines require a minimum depth of 1.2 meters to each pipe’s crown. This depth protects pipes from external loads and prevents interference with other utility services in the area.

Project aligns with $30B Tasreef and $80B sewerage upgrade

_{Image Source: Arabian Business}

The Nad Al Sheba drainage network plays a vital role in Dubai’s ambitious infrastructure vision. This network naturally fits into two of the region’s largest strategic programs. The project is now part of the AED 30 billion ($8.2 billion) ‘Tasreef’ initiative and the AED 80 billion ($21.8 billion) sewerage system upgrade program.

Dubai’s ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum approved the Tasreef project in 2024. The approval came as a direct response to the unprecedented rainfall that hit the emirate. This forward-thinking project will boost Dubai’s rainwater drainage capacity by 700% over the next century. Such an increase will help the city face future climate challenges.

The detailed Tasreef program will process and redirect 6.5 million cubic meters of water daily during peak rainfall. The network can handle more than 20 million cubic meters of water per day at full capacity. The system will become the region’s strongest flood defense mechanism once completed in 2033.

The Tasreef project extends beyond Nad Al Sheba to key areas across Dubai. These areas include Nad Al Hamar, Dubai International Airport’s vicinity, Al Garhoud, Al Rashidiya, Al Quoz, Zabeel, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, and Al Badaa. This wide coverage will give complete protection to the emirate’s most important urban zones.

Dubai Municipality’s strategic initiative builds on drainage projects from 2019. These earlier projects covered the Expo Dubai area, Al Maktoum International Airport City, and Jebel Ali. This step-by-step approach shows Dubai Municipality’s dedication to building a fully connected drainage infrastructure network.

Dubai Municipality’s Director General, Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, highlighted how these infrastructure developments support Dubai’s strategic goals. These goals focus on managing rainwater drainage and sewerage systems together. He explained that by using advanced technologies and smart solutions, the municipality wants to “increase operational performance, ensure service continuity, and improve quality of life for Dubai’s residents — reinforcing the emirate’s status among the world’s leading cities for advanced infrastructure”.

Dubai’s Infrastructure Vision Takes Shape Through Nad Al Sheba Project

Dubai Municipality showed its dedication to world-class infrastructure by completing the Nad Al Sheba drainage network. The AED 277 million investment is evidence of the emirate’s forward-thinking approach to essential public services. The project now helps residents and businesses across 300 land plots with better flood protection and waste management.

This detailed project has delivered impressive results. Engineers have carefully installed 66 kilometers of pipelines in the 340-hectare development area. These include 24 kilometers of sewerage lines, 11 kilometers of household connections, and 31 kilometers of gravity-based drainage networks. On top of that, the high-capacity pumping station handles 4,000 liters per second, which will give reliable protection against severe weather events.

This infrastructure milestone is just one piece of Dubai’s bigger picture. The project lines up perfectly with Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum’s strategic goals for integrated urban infrastructure. It’s part of both the AED 30 billion Tasreef initiative and the AED 80 billion sewerage upgrade program. The team finished ahead of the 2026 schedule, which shows exceptional project management and engineering skills.

Dubai keeps strengthening its position among the world’s leading cities through these strategic collaborations. The emirate’s proactive approach will protect its communities as climate challenges grow. The Nad Al Sheba drainage network marks a major step toward Dubai’s vision of infrastructure excellence in all districts and neighborhoods.