Rain management challenges and the city's thirst: The UAE's complex rain-water dynamics
In the heart of the desert, water is more precious than oil. This was emphasized by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the leader of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and ruler of Abu Dhabi, as the country grapples with water scarcity and flash floods.
The UAE, a nation known for its modern cities and oil wealth, is currently experiencing a significant water crisis. Dubai, a city-state in the UAE, produced 683.7 billion litres of water last year through desalination. However, the demand for water continues to grow alongside the city-state, putting pressure on its water resources.
The April 2024 floods in Dubai saw more rain fall in one day than ever recorded since 1949. This sudden deluge highlighted the extreme weather challenges caused by climate change, such as record rainfall and flooding. In response, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced an $8 billion (€6.8 billion) plan to build a massive rainwater drainage system for Dubai using underground tunnelling equipment.
The new system aims to manage increasing water volumes and protect infrastructure as Dubai continues its rapid urban expansion into arid areas. This ambitious project is expected to increase the capacity of the drainage network by 700%.
While the UAE strives to address the water crisis, it has also been "cloud seeding" for years, flying aircraft to release chemicals into clouds to try to induce rain. However, the groundwater reservoirs have been under pressure for years, and insurance losses from the floods are estimated to be as high as $4 billion (€3.42 billion).
In the face of these challenges, Kalliyadan Poil, a weather enthusiast from Kerala, India, leads storm chasing expeditions in the Emirates. On days like this, he and his team gather to chase the weather, as they come from an area where rain is a common occurrence. Kalliyadan stands in the sudden shower, saying that the drop hitting him returns him to his childhood.
The UAE ranks seventh worldwide for being at risk for water scarcity, according to the World Resources Institute. This scarcity, combined with changes in weather patterns caused by global warming, makes rain both a blessing and a warning for the UAE. The country relies heavily on 70 water desalination plants to supply drinking water and drip irrigation for plants that can rely on recycled wastewater.
Despite the challenges, Emirati residents use around 550 litres of water per day, which is among the highest usage around the world. Scientists associated with World Weather Attribution found that 85% of the Dubai population and 90% of its infrastructure are vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
As the UAE navigates these complex water issues, the words of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan resonate: water is more important than oil. The country's future depends on its ability to manage its water resources sustainably and adapt to the changing climate.
