Dubai readies 10 temporary lakes and 300 pumps for the rainy season

Dubai Municipality says it is ready for the winter rains. Its plan, announced on 22 October, puts a team of 675 engineers, supervisors, drivers and field workers on call around the clock, with nearly 1,100 pieces of equipment.

That includes 200 water tankers, 300 diesel pumps for standing water, 200 vehicles, 24 cranes, 13 water recycling units and three jetting units. Ten temporary lakes have been prepared at chosen spots to hold runoff and take pressure off the main drainage network. Drains and inlets are being cleaned and maintained, and the sewage treatment plants have their own plans.

Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, who heads the municipality's emergency and rainwater drainage teams, said the aim is to protect people and property and keep disruption to a minimum. The National Centre of Meteorology expects clouds over the east and north of the country, with a chance of rain on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October and fog on humid nights until Monday morning.

For residents, the advice is to check the weather before heading out this weekend, follow official updates, and on the road slow down, keep a safe distance and stick to the speed limits when visibility drops.