H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality, has approved the awarding of an AED1.3-billion contract for rain and groundwater drainage system for districts around the Al Maktoum International Airport, Expo Dubai 2020 and near urban centres.

The project will cover a total area of 400 square kilometres.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the project underlines the commitment of the Government of Dubai to implement projects that serve its vision for the future, which is to maintain Dubai's standing as a metropolitan city and one of the world's most smart and sustainable cities.

''The project will have a second phase, which will bring the total cost to AED 2.5 billion. It entails a deep tunnel network for the collection and disposal of rain and groundwater and represents a long-term solution that will be sufficient for the next 100 years,'' he added.

This system has the capacity to treat 6.5 million cubic metres of water per minute.