One year ago today, Dubai was brought to a standstill. Cars floated along submerged roads. Malls and schools closed. Flights were grounded. In just 12 hours, 100mm of rain fell – the amount the city typically receives in a year and the heaviest rainfall since records began in 1949.
On the first anniversary of the deluge, the question is not whether if it will happen again, but when and how often. Dubai Municipality has responded by announcing this week that it has awarded Dh1.4 billion in stormwater drainage contracts.
The contracts fall under the Dh30 billion Tasreef project, Dubai’s largest unified stormwater collection system. The projects will serve key areas across the emirate: Nad Al Hamar, the area around Dubai International Airport, Al Garhoud, Al Rashidiya, Al Quoz, Zabeel, Al Wasl, Jumeirah and Al Badaa.
They aim to enhance the capacity of the drainage system and increase its discharge capacity by 700 per cent over the next 100 years. The scheme was introduced in the months following the storm and is scheduled to be completed by 2033.
Such initiatives aim to change the impact of climate change on the region, with more frequent storms forecast.
“The combination of rising global temperatures and regional climatic shifts suggests that the UAE, including Dubai, may experience similar severe rainfall events more frequently in the future,” Dr Adam Fenech, provost at Canadian University Dubai, told The National. “This underscores the importance of urban infrastructure and emergency preparedness in mitigating the impacts of such events.”
Climate change drives extreme weather
Climate experts say last year's flooding is a clear sign that weather systems across the Gulf are shifting. According to Dr Fenech, Dubai's average annual rainfall has increased by 40 per cent in recent decades, while the wider GCC region has seen a 20 per cent rise over the past 20 years.
“This increase aligns with projections that a warmer atmosphere due to climate change can hold more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall events,” said Dr Fenech, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
He warned that short, intense downpours like those experienced in April 2024 are now more likely, particularly during El Nino years, the name given to when warmer waters in the Pacific shift global rainfall patterns. Scientific analysis suggests that downpours during these years have become 10 to 40 per cent heavier in the region due to climate change.
Anatomy of a flood
Experts attribute the 2024 flood to a convergence of weather systems. Abdulla Al Mandous, director general of the UAE's National Centre of Meteorology, says last year's storm was triggered by a warm, moisture-laden air mass from the south colliding with a cold upper atmosphere.
“The resulting differential temperatures and humidity levels facilitated cloud formation, particularly the development of cumulonimbus clouds, which are capable of producing intense rainfall due to their vertical development and latent heat release,” Dr Al Mandous told The National.
But the deeper issue lies in a climate system that is no longer behaving predictably. Dubai's new stormwater drainage project is designed to address that problem by channelling water more efficiently away from urban centres to prevent surface flooding and reduce the risk of economic disruption. But experts say that infrastructure alone will not be enough.
Technology meets urgency
Artificial intelligence is being touted as a key part of the city's adaptation strategy. Naji Atallah, Europe, Middle East and Africa head of construction and manufacturing at Autodesk, says AI can simulate flood events, test urban planning scenarios and process huge collections of data to enable faster, more effective decisions.
“The value of AI lies in its ability to process vast data sets quickly – from rainfall intensity to land use patterns – helping city planners and engineers develop solutions that are both resilient and resource-efficient,” he said. “As this region continues to urbanise at pace, investing in such smarter infrastructure will be key to mitigating environmental risk while meeting future demand.”
“Dubai’s investment in a citywide stormwater network reflects a growing recognition that water resilience is critical to future-proofing our cities,” said Michael Nielsen, regional director at Danish pump manufacturer Grundfos. “As we witness more frequent and intense weather events across the region, it’s no longer enough to rely on conventional infrastructure. Urban water systems must be reimagined to adapt to a more unpredictable climate.”
AI's role in extreme weather preparation
An Abu Dhabi company has created a forecasting system that could change how authorities and businesses prepare for extreme weather.
The National Centre of Meteorology told The National that it forecasts about seven days in advance, but the new system from G42 with global chip maker Nvidia is said to increase that capability to 14 days.
Antonios Vouloudis, senior director of sustainability and stewardship at NYU Abu Dhabi, told The National that this would provide “ample time for authorities and businesses to implement necessary measures”.
Andrew Jackson, chief executive officer of Inception, a G42 company, explained that the technology used in the program, CorrDiff, is designed to adapt to local weather behaviours. "This technology is not only improving forecasting for the UAE but can also be tailored for regions worldwide facing climate volatility. The ability to generate hyper-local predictions gives decision-makers the confidence to act faster, plan better, and build more resilient systems." said Mr Jackson.
Dr Al Mandous said: “AI-powered weather forecasting has the potential to revolutionise high-quality, high-resolution weather and disaster management solutions, particularly in this accelerating phase of climate change.
“By enhancing prediction accuracy and enabling hyper-local, real-time forecasts, this technology empowers better decision-making and strengthens resilience against climate challenges.”
Mr Vouloudis added that such technology “can enable cities to make informed decisions for smarter urban planning to manage heavy rain, heatwaves and other climate risks”.
Such tools could also be used to warn commuters about flooding on their routes, help parents to plan outdoor activities for their children and enable businesses to minimise disruptions.
Beyond the UAE, G42 is also exploring the expansion of its technology in climate-vulnerable regions such as Africa, South Asia and South-East Asia.
No_One Ever Really Dies
N*E*R*D
(I Am Other/Columbia)
Salah in numbers
€39 million: Liverpool agreed a fee, including add-ons, in the region of €39m (nearly Dh176m) to sign Salah from Roma last year. The exchange rate at the time meant that cost the Reds £34.3m - a bargain given his performances since.
13: The 25-year-old player was not a complete stranger to the Premier League when he arrived at Liverpool this summer. However, during his previous stint at Chelsea, he made just 13 Premier League appearances, seven of which were off the bench, and scored only twice.
57: It was in the 57th minute of his Liverpool bow when Salah opened his account for the Reds in the 3-3 draw with Watford back in August. The Egyptian prodded the ball over the line from close range after latching onto Roberto Firmino's attempted lob.
7: Salah's best scoring streak of the season occurred between an FA Cup tie against West Brom on January 27 and a Premier League win over Newcastle on March 3. He scored for seven games running in all competitions and struck twice against Tottenham.
3: This season Salah became the first player in Premier League history to win the player of the month award three times during a term. He was voted as the division's best player in November, February and March.
40: Salah joined Roger Hunt and Ian Rush as the only players in Liverpool's history to have scored 40 times in a single season when he headed home against Bournemouth at Anfield earlier this month.
30: The goal against Bournemouth ensured the Egyptian achieved another milestone in becoming the first African player to score 30 times across one Premier League campaign.
8: As well as his fine form in England, Salah has also scored eight times in the tournament phase of this season's Champions League. Only Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, with 15 to his credit, has found the net more often in the group stages and knockout rounds of Europe's premier club competition.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
RESULTS
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Match info:
Real Betis v Sevilla, 10.45pm (UAE)
The%20specs
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Godzilla%20x%20Kong%3A%20The%20New%20Empire
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdam%20Wingard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBrian%20Tyree%20Henry%2C%20Rebecca%20Hall%2C%20Dan%20Stevens%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Warlight,
Michael Ondaatje, Knopf
Captain Marvel
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson, Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn
4/5 stars
Company profile
Company: Eighty6
Date started: October 2021
Founders: Abdul Kader Saadi and Anwar Nusseibeh
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Hospitality
Size: 25 employees
Funding stage: Pre-series A
Investment: $1 million
Investors: Seed funding, angel investors
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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RESULTS
1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,400m
Winner: Dirilis Ertugrul, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ismail Mohammed (trainer)
2.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,400m
Winner: Kidd Malibu, Sandro Paiva, Musabah Al Muhairi
2.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,000m
Winner: Raakezz, Tadhg O’Shea, Nicholas Bachalard
3.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,200m
Winner: Au Couer, Sean Kirrane, Satish Seemar
3.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m
Winner: Rayig, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m
Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,800m
Winner: King’s Shadow, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
QUALIFYING RESULTS
1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1 minute, 35.246 seconds.
2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 1:35.271.
3. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 1:35.332.
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.497.
5. Alexander Albon, Thailand, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1:35.571.
6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.815.
7. Daniil Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:35.963.
8. Lance Stroll, Canada, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 1:36.046.
9. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 1:36.065.
10. Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:36.242.
Eliminated after second session
11. Esteban Ocon, France, Renault, 1:36.359.
12. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 1:36.406.
13. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:36.631.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:38.248.
Eliminated after first session
15. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.075.
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.555.
17. Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas Ferrari, 1:37.863.
18. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.045.
19. Pietro Fittipaldi, Brazil, Haas Ferrari, 1:38.173.
20. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.443.
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
Kill%20
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Tom Fletcher on 'soft power'
The Case For Trump
By Victor Davis Hanson
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Fight Night
FIGHT NIGHT
Four title fights:
Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title
Six undercard bouts:
Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
If you go
The flights
Emirates (www.emirates.com) and Etihad (www.etihad.com) both fly direct to Bengaluru, with return fares from Dh 1240. From Bengaluru airport, Coorg is a five-hour drive by car.
The hotels
The Tamara (www.thetamara.com) is located inside a working coffee plantation and offers individual villas with sprawling views of the hills (tariff from Dh1,300, including taxes and breakfast).
When to go
Coorg is an all-year destination, with the peak season for travel extending from the cooler months between October and March.