UAE: Sheikh Hamdan approves construction of new AED80 billion sewage system for Dubai

DUBAI: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, chaired a council meeting today during which he approved several initiatives in support of Dubai’s economic agenda D33. major project. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of forward planning and preparation as key elements of the Sustainable Development Strategy adopted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

This approach has been a key driver of Dubai’s rise as a leading global city, and of Dubai’s ability to set new standards in future readiness and create a comprehensive infrastructure that rivals the best in the world. Sheikh Hamdan added that Dubai has established itself as one of the best destinations in the world to live and work, and provides a stable and vibrant environment for people to reach their full potential.

The Executive Committee has further approved the Centennial Sewerage System, a major new municipal project for Dubai. The system, which will create one of the most advanced and sustainable infrastructures in the world, will be built in partnership with the private sector. The project is designed to meet the needs of the population for the next 100 years, in line with Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai Urban Plan 2040.

With an investment of AED 80 billion, the sewage system will reduce the sector’s carbon emissions by 25%, promote circular economy principles and contribute to Dubai’s global development and competitiveness indicators related to quality of life. The private sector will help achieve these goals by working hand-in-hand with governments to strengthen future readiness.

Sheikh Hamdan has directed the Dubai Municipality to open the way for private companies to cooperate with them in the implementation of the sewage system, reflecting their important contribution to the development of comprehensive advanced infrastructure in Dubai. By 2033, the private sector will invest more than AED 1 trillion in projects aimed at achieving the D33 goals of Dubai’s Economic Agenda.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed highlighted the importance of supporting entrepreneurship and enabling emerging projects. He said: “SMEs continue to enjoy the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Over the past two decades, the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem has provided a knowledge-based and Dynamic growth of innovation. Today, SMEs play a pivotal role and account for the largest share of businesses in Dubai.”

To further enhance the role of the SME sector, Sheikh Hamdan approved the adoption of the future model of the Mohammed bin Rashid SME Development Agency (Dubai SMEs). Through this strategy, Dubai aims to support innovative ideas and projects, create 86,000 new jobs, support 8,000 Emirati entrepreneurs, set up 27,000 projects, and contribute approximately AED9 billion to the emirate’s GDP, in line with Dubai’s economy Agenda D33 Consistent.

The approval of the new sewage system makes Dubai one of the most modern, advanced and sustainable cities in the world. It will help achieve Dubai’s 2050 Clean Energy Strategy and the city’s sustainable development goals by improving operational efficiency and extending the lifespan of systems from 25 to 100 years, in line with the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai City Plan 2040.

As part of this mega-project, strategic tunnel projects will be implemented at Dubai’s Jebel Ali and Wassan stations. The move includes reducing the number of major sewage treatment plants in urban areas from 20 to two and the number of major pumping stations from 13 to two. In addition, the number of urban sub-pump stations has been reduced from 110 to less than 20. In addition, the treatment plant will be converted into a cleaning plant, and the recycled water will be maximized.

The new strategy for Dubai SMEs, operating under the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, aims to support Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem across all economic sectors and stakeholders. This approach is key to nurturing a flexible and diverse economy of the future, contributing approximately AED9 billion to GDP, creating 86,000 jobs, empowering 8,000 Emirati entrepreneurs and supporting the establishment of 27,000 projects. These efforts are in line with the goal of Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to boost demand for local services and goods to AED3 trillion by 2033.

The strategy expands the entity’s scope to include emerging projects in the new economy and key industries, supports 100% UAE-owned institutions, promotes emerging projects in the new economy for people in the UAE and beyond, and assists emerging and High-growth companies in the market from traditional industries enter the global market. In addition, it supports the growth of independent next-generation companies.

The strategy is industry-specific for UAE entrepreneurs, focusing on future-proof, technology-based and scalable business models. These industries include financial services, advanced manufacturing, transportation, energy technology, retail and e-commerce, professional services and new business models, food and agricultural technology, health and social, and education technology.