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4/24/24, 3:33 PM Dubai’s Roads And Transport Authority And Dubai Municipality Intensify Field Operations To Restore Full Normalcy In The Emirate…
Dubai’s Roads And Transport Authority And Dubai

Municipality Intensify Field Operations To Restore

Full Normalcy In The Emirate Following Severe

Weather Conditions
(19 April 2024)
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai
and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and the follow up of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, field teams
from various government entities in the emirate continue to work around the clock to ensure the full restoration of
services and smooth traffic flow on roads, following the recent extreme weather conditions experienced by the city.

The Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Municipality have taken swift measures to minimise disruptions across
the city, including draining waterlogged areas, conducting cleaning operations, rerouting traffic to ensure smooth
flows, and restoring public transport.

The RTA confirmed that a proactive comprehensive plan enabled the swift restoration of operations on the city’s main
streets and the full resumption of Dubai Metro services by the second day, all while ensuring the security and safety
of the community.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General of Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Wellbeing Pillar,
and Director General of RTA, said that the authority has proactively developed an integrated plan to address
potential weather-related disruptions. This comprehensive strategy prioritises the safety of road and public transport
users, ensures sustainable service provision, facilitates swift management of water accumulations, and seeks to
quickly restore traffic on main streets, as well as normal operations of the Dubai Metro and public buses.

“The authority deployed its emergency and crisis management team, which operated out of the unified command
centre. A joint control room was also activated to address rainwater accumulation, operated by representatives of
Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, and real estate developers. The Roads and Transport Authority, in cooperation with
Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, and Dubai Civil Defense, managed rainwater pools to ensure the safety of residents
and road users. Over 2,500 response personnel, including engineers, technicians, workers, contractors, and
suppliers, contributed to the response effort. Additionally, more than 400 pumps, 300 tanks, and over 200 heavy
equipment units, including trucks and bulldozers, were deployed,” Al Tayer said.

In the initial phase, the field teams concentrated on quickly restoring the Dubai Metro service to normal, while
ensuring the security and safety of passengers and assets, he added. “The metro, being the backbone of resident
movement in the emirate, saw stations reopening gradually, with all stations operational by the second day of the
weather event. Efforts also included addressing rainwater accumulations on various streets, particularly focusing on
major arteries such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road, and Airport Road. Water was
removed from various streets in a record time, allowing traffic to return to normal,” Al Tayer said.

His Excellency Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted the ongoing efforts of field
emergency teams at Dubai Municipality in addressing the aftermath of Dubai's unprecedented weather conditions.
“Our teams have been operating non-stop, executing comprehensive strategies across all areas and coordinating
closely with our strategic partners,” he said. These efforts aim to manage the repercussions of the intense rainstorm,
which has led to rainwater accumulation, drainage blockages, and increased waste, necessitating extensive cleaning
and swift, effective solutions to maintain the highest levels of safety and public health for all residents of the emirate.
Al Hajri added: “From the onset of these conditions, Dubai Municipality mobilised every available resource, with our
highly skilled teams and advanced equipment ready to handle emergencies efficiently.” He noted that the recent
severe rains, historically peaking at over 220 mm in less than 24 hours, required more time to drain and channel the
water through sewage and rainwater drainage networks. “Our response to these tropical conditions has been marked
by prompt action, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum safety,” he said.
In response to the situation, Dubai Municipality mobilised over 2,425 engineers, technicians, and workers. Operating
around the clock and covering all regions, these teams are equipped to swiftly address emergencies resulting from
impact of rains, including water accumulation, clogged drains, and fallen trees. Their primary focus is to ensure the
safety of all community members in Dubai and protect their lives and property.
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