Suhail Al Mazrouei reviews the efficiency of dams after “low resolve” and confirms the strengthening of their role in water security

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, directed to maximize the use of dam water and develop practical solutions to reduce the loss of retained rainwater, in a way that enhances the efficiency of water resources management and supports the goals of the 2036 Water Security Strategy.

This came during an inspection tour he made of a number of dams in the eastern region, during which he was informed of their readiness, operational efficiency, and performance during the recent “low intensity” weather condition, which witnessed heavy rains in various regions of the country.

During the tour, Al Mazrouei was accompanied by Engineer Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, assistant undersecretaries, and a number of ministry officials, where the efficiency of dams in absorbing water flows, and their role in protecting lives and property and enhancing the sustainability of water resources, were reviewed.

Al Mazrouei stressed that the performance demonstrated by the dams reflects the efficiency of proactive planning and the quality of implementation, pointing out that the dams have now represented an integrated system that goes beyond their traditional role in protection, to become an essential pillar in enhancing water security, and the first line of defense in rainwater management.

He reviewed the smart system adopted by the Ministry to manage dams and water facilities, which includes surveillance cameras, devices to monitor the flow of valleys, and others to monitor water levels in dams, in addition to devices to monitor groundwater, within an integrated digital system that employs artificial intelligence techniques to analyze the movement of water, monitor its flows, speed and height, predict its paths, and identify risk areas in real time, which enhances the efficiency of water resources management and raises the readiness to respond to various weather conditions.

He also directed engineering studies to be conducted to evaluate the effects and damage of rainwater on federal roads, and to develop sustainable solutions that include developing advanced drainage systems, protecting rock cuts, etc., in a way that enhances the efficiency and sustainability of roads, and ensures the continuity of traffic and the safety of its users.

He said: “The high efficiency achieved in the performance of dams and their absorption of water flows during the recent weather condition reflects an advanced level of preparedness, based on sustainable investment and the adoption of the latest technical and engineering solutions, ensuring continuity of services, protecting lives and property in various circumstances, and strengthening the water security system.”

He praised the efforts of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the field work teams, which provided an advanced model of preparedness and rapid response during crises and emergencies, and contributed to ensuring the flow of vital services with high efficiency.

It is noteworthy that the UAE witnessed heavy rainfall during the recent period, as the dam system succeeded in retaining about 72 million cubic meters of water, within a network of 109 dams managed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, with a total storage capacity of more than 90 million cubic meters, while the filling rate reached about 83% of the total capacity, without recording any significant damage.