Dubai Municipality is moving forward with the Resilient Future Flow Outfall Project (DS411), a major subsea infrastructure initiative designed to enhance the emirate’s resilience to rising groundwater levels and support sustainable urban expansion. The announcement was made by Fahd Al Awadhi, Director of Drainage System at Dubai Municipality, as part of the broader Tasreef Stormwater Program.
The project entails constructing a 4-kilometre subsea pipeline with a two-metre diameter and a discharge capacity of nine cubic metres per second. This system provides a sustainable solution for managing groundwater, which is rising by nearly 20 centimetres annually, posing increasing risks to key infrastructure. It will also serve as a secure emergency outlet for recycled water from the Jebel Ali Sewage Treatment Plant when needed.
“This project is critical to protecting airports, logistics hubs, residential communities, and industrial zones across Jebel Ali,” Al Awadhi said. “By mitigating flood risks and safeguarding vital assets, it supports safe and sustainable urban expansion in one of Dubai’s most dynamic growth corridors.”
In addition to its strategic importance, the DS411 project reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to engineering innovation and environmental protection. Construction will employ advanced techniques, including the Float & Sink method for subsea installation, GPS-enabled dredging, pneumatic string testing, and state-of-the-art diffuser technologies. These measures ensure technical excellence, operational reliability, and compliance with UAE environmental standards.
Al Awadhi emphasized that the project is not only an engineering milestone but also a strategic investment in Dubai’s future, aligning with the city’s vision of resilient, world-class infrastructure capable of withstanding urbanization and climate challenges.
The DS411 project is part of Tasreef, Dubai Municipality’s AED 30 billion long-term stormwater drainage program, scheduled for completion by 2033. Tasreef aims to expand coverage across the emirate and increase the drainage network’s capacity by 700%, enabling management of over 20 million cubic metres of water per day. The program also seeks to reduce construction and operating costs of pumping stations by 20% through the use of deep tunnel systems with flow capacities of up to four cubic metres per second.
Earlier phases of Tasreef have already strengthened stormwater and groundwater management infrastructure in key areas, including Al Maktoum City, Expo City Dubai, and the Airport District.