Many roads in Sharjah were flooded as a result of unprecedented rainfall across the UAE in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
Many roads in Sharjah were flooded as a result of unprecedented rainfall across the UAE in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
Many roads in Sharjah were flooded as a result of unprecedented rainfall across the UAE in April. Antonie Robertson / The National
Many roads in Sharjah were flooded as a result of unprecedented rainfall across the UAE in April. Antonie Robertson / The National

Sharjah approves Dh400m drainage project to protect against floods


Salam Al Amir
  • English
  • Arabic

Sharjah's government on Tuesday approved the first phase of a Dh400 million ($109 million) rainwater drainage project aimed at bolstering the emirate's defences against future flood threats.

The key initiative, set out at a meeting of the Sharjah Executive Council, will include extending the emirate's main drainage system by 4.9km along King Abdulaziz Street, at a depth of 20m. It will serve 13 areas and five major roads and will channel rainwater into the sea.

The significant investment is part of Sharjah's long-term strategy to improve infrastructure in place to protect the public and property from torrential rain. No further details were given on when the extended drainage line will be completed.

In April, the UAE experienced its largest single day of rainfall in 75 years, causing widespread flooding, travel disruption and damage. The National Centre of Meteorology said the volume of rain on Tuesday, April 16 was the highest since official records began in 1949.

Sharjah had previously launched a financial support scheme in October, 2023 to allow Emiratis to claim compensation in the event of property being damaged by adverse weather and natural disasters.

The relief effort was introduced to help citizens affected extreme weather events, such as the deadly flash flooding that struck large parts of the Northern Emirates in the summer of 2022.

Ali bin Shaheen, chairman of the Department of Public Works in Sharjah, said on Tuesday this latest step was important to prepare for severe storms.

“Its significance lies in serving the central sector [of Sharjah], which includes 13 areas and nearly 400 main and secondary roads,” he said.

“Two main pumping stations will be constructed in the Al Ghubaiba and Al Soor areas to serve this line.”

The project will serve residential and commercial districts and industrial areas and aims to alleviate the problem of flooding on roads.

Mr bin Shaheen said the initiative would reduce the risk of accidents and gridlocked roads during downpours.

UAE action plan

In July, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, approved a plan to improve water drainage in the emirate.

The Tasreef project will cost Dh30 billion ($8.16 billion) and is scheduled to be completed by 2033, Dubai Media Office said at the time. It will cover all areas of Dubai and will be able to handle more than 20 million cubic metres of water a day.

The strategic project is a continuation of drainage projects launched by Dubai in 2019, covering the Expo Dubai area, Al Maktoum International Airport City, and Jebel Ali.

President Sheikh Mohamed has issued a directive for dams and canals to be constructed across the UAE to support efforts to bolster water security and take action against future flood threats.

The project, approved by the Executive Committee for the President's Initiatives and announced on Friday, includes nine dams, the expansion of two existing ones and the creation of several embankment barriers.

The measures will strengthen infrastructure to cope with the effects of climate change and increase water reserves by collecting rain and flood water, with a storage capacity of up to eight million cubic metres, state news agency Wam reported.

Work will be carried out in 13 residential areas – Shis and Khor Fakkan in Sharjah; Masfout in Ajman, Sha'am and Al Fahleen in Ras Al Khaimah; and Mohamed Bin Zayed City, as well as the areas of Abu Hail, Qidfa, Murbeh, Dadna, Al Seeji and Ghazimri, in Fujairah.

It is estimated that it will take up to 19 months to complete the project, along with the construction of nine canals, about 9km long.

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

While you're here
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League, last-16. first leg

Atletico Madrid v Juventus, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports

The stats

Ship name: MSC Bellissima

Ship class: Meraviglia Class

Delivery date: February 27, 2019

Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT

Passenger capacity: 5,686

Crew members: 1,536

Number of cabins: 2,217

Length: 315.3 metres

Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Company%20Profile
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Suggested picnic spots

Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
 
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes 

The biog

Nickname: Mama Nadia to children, staff and parents

Education: Bachelors degree in English Literature with Social work from UAE University

As a child: Kept sweets on the window sill for workers, set aside money to pay for education of needy families

Holidays: Spends most of her days off at Senses often with her family who describe the centre as part of their life too

Updated: October 22, 2024, 1:54 PM`