"We are committed to sustainable wastewater management for Dubai's resilient future"

Please tell us briefly about your background and your role at the Dubai Municipality.

I have a background in civil engineering with solid experience in urban infrastructure projects. As the Director of the Sewage and Recycled Water Projects Department at Dubai Municipality, I manage the planning, design, and execution of sewerage, stormwater, and recycled water projects in Dubai. This includes implementing and maintaining innovative and sustainable plans to enhance system efficiency, which we consider an essential component of infrastructure development for a healthy and comfortable living environment.

In my current position, I am dedicated to ensuring that both our strategies and operations not only comply with but also exceed environmental standards. This commitment involves adopting innovative and sustainable solutions that can enhance operational efficiency while reinforcing sustainability. The primary focus of my efforts is the Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnel (DSST) project, which seeks to revolutionise our sewerage infrastructure by transitioning to a fully gravity-collection system. This change is expected to significantly lower carbon emissions and energy use, aligning with Dubai's overarching vision for a sustainable future.

Moreover, I work closely with many stakeholders, including government authorities and private sector partners, to cultivate public-private partnerships that enhance the efficiency of our sewerage and stormwater networks and foster innovation to enable the system to face any emerging and future challenges.

Our team is committed to futureproofing our infrastructure to support anticipated population growth and technological advancements over the next century. Through proactive risk management strategies, we are well-prepared to tackle potential challenges, ensuring that our projects positively impact Dubai's urban plans while maintaining environmental integrity.

Could you elaborate on the current timeline for the Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnel (DSST) project, and what the major milestones are leading up to the awarding of the first package by the end of 2025?

Our team is committed to futureproofing our infrastructure to support anticipated population growth and technological advancements over the next century

The Executive Council, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, approved in June 2023 the transformation of Dubai’s sewage infrastructure system, which includes the deep sewage tunnel system. The DSST project is on track with a comprehensive timeline for rolling out each of the four packages on a staggered basis. The preliminary designs for the project are substantially completed, and EPC contractors for all four packages were pre-qualified by Dubai Municipality by mid-2024. Currently, the procurement process for identifying PPP investors is underway. The first package is tentatively scheduled to be awarded by the end of 2025, marking a significant step in transforming Dubai’s wastewater sector and unlocking significant benefits for the Emirate.

What are the key challenges you anticipate in implementing such a large-scale project across different phases, especially considering Dubai's rapid urban growth?

The DSST programme will be procured under an availability-based PPP model and will be split into four packages

In anticipation of the challenges facing the wastewater sector and considering Dubai’s rapid growth, the DSST project has been conceptualised to enhance and transform the existing wastewater sector. A comprehensive risk assessment has been undertaken for the project, identifying the best strategic approach to mitigate any risks during the overall project lifecycle and ensuring minimal disruption to existing services. However, this project is considered an opportunity to create localised expertise and value to undertake such mega-projects, followed by the measured implementation of strategies to mitigate and manage risks and challenges effectively.

Could you provide more details on how the public-private partnership (PPP) model will work for the DSST project, and what kind of roles private sector partners will play throughout the project lifecycle?

The Executive Council has approved the procurement of the project through the PPP route. The DSST programme will be procured under an availability-based PPP model and will be split into four packages (each with a combination of tunnels, links, and terminal pumping stations). The broader project will also integrate two sewage treatment plants on a separate PPP basis. The tentative concession length for the project will be 30 years before being transferred to Dubai Municipality. The PPP model allows us to leverage private sector expertise in financing, design, and construction while maintaining public ownership of the infrastructure. Private sector partners will be responsible for the overall delivery of the project during its lifecycle, in collaboration with Dubai Municipality, which will oversee regulatory compliance and long-term operational strategies.

With a system life expectancy of 100 years, what kind of future-proofing measures are being taken to ensure the infrastructure can accommodate the expected population growth and potential technological advancements?

We are integrating smart technologies, such as real-time monitoring systems for flow and quality control

To ensure a 100-year lifespan for such a large and strategic project, we are incorporating flexible design elements that can adapt to environmental changes, technological advancements, and population growth. This includes modular components that can be upgraded over time without major disruptions. The system’s resilience will also be boosted by the tunnel’s storage capacity of 1.4 million m³/day for sewage and stormwater.

What kind of technological innovations and design elements are being introduced in the DSST project to ensure its operational efficiency and sustainability?

We are integrating smart technologies, such as real-time monitoring systems for flow and quality control. Advanced materials that enhance durability and reduce maintenance requirements are also being employed.

Given the magnitude of the project, what risk management strategies are in place to address potential delays, cost overruns, or other unforeseen issues during the construction and operational phases?

PPPs generally provide a robust risk allocation mechanism by bringing in private sector expertise and generating financial and operational efficiencies. Our risk management framework includes the proactive identification of potential risks through regular, continuous assessments and stakeholder consultations, as well as the assessment and impact of such identified risks, followed by the best strategic approach to mitigate them. We have identified mitigation strategies to address any potential delays and cost overruns, ensuring that we can adapt swiftly to unforeseen challenges during both construction and operational phases to minimise disruptions to the overall delivery of the DSST project.