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Illustration by Alreem AlAbbas

UAE Dams and Canals

UAE's new dam and canal project will boost water security, aiming to combat floods and secure resources against climate change impacts.

Nov 3, 2024

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has greenlit a comprehensive project to build dams and canals across the UAE, targeting enhanced water security and mitigation of flood risks. Announced by the Executive Committee for the President's Initiatives on Oct. 18, this project is a pivotal step toward fortifying the nation’s infrastructure against climate vulnerabilities. The initiative aims to construct nine new dams, expand two existing ones, build several embankment barriers, and develop nine water canals totaling around nine kilometers. These construction goals are designed to increase water storage capacity to eight million cubic meters by capturing rain and floodwater. The project scope extends across several emirates. In Sharjah, the regions of Shis and Khor Fakkan are included. Ajman's area of Masfout is also part of the plan. In Ras Al Khaimah, the initiative targets Sha'am and Al Fahleen. Fujairah will see developments in multiple locations: Mohamed bin Zayed City, Hail, Qidfa, Murbeh, Dadna, Al Seeji, and Ghazimri. With expected completion within 19 months, this project aligns with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, seeking to reduce water demand by 21%, increase productivity, and reuse 95% of treated water. The UAE’s proactive approach to climate-related issues serves as a real-world case for environmental and policy discussions at NYUAD. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the [record rainfall in April 2024] (https://www.wam.ae/en/article/13vbuq9-uae-witnesses-largest-rainfall-over-past-years)—the heaviest in 75 years—which caused extensive flooding and underscored the need for improved water management. Complementing the dam and canal project are other water security measures: Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative: Launched in February 2024 to bolster global water cooperation. Abu Dhabi’s AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance Cluster: Supports food and water security. [Sharjah’s Al Hefaiyah Lake] (https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/03/31/sharjah-ruler-inaugurates-lake-project-to-combat-floods-and-boost-tourism/): A 132,000-square-meter lake designed to prevent flooding and attract tourism. These initiatives highlight the UAE’s commitment to sustainable water management and climate resilience. This project also offers students potential engagement opportunities through research or community projects, making it a practical study case for NYUAD’s environmental science, public policy, and engineering programs.
Joshua Isaac is Senior Opinion Editor. Email them at feedback@thegazelle.org.
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