Don't Let the Rain Be a Drain: Flood Mitigation in the GCC

If the past year’s regional weather events have taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. Just a few months ago, the UAE experienced its heaviest rainfall since 1949, with more than the nation’s average rainfall landing in just one day. And across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the resulting flooding from these rainstorms caused significant damage and disruption.

In a region where hot, arid climates are the norm, investing in long-term storm and rainwater management systems might seem unnecessary. However, as climate change continues to warm the oceans, experts have warned that the GCC region is set to experience bigger and more frequent rainstorms in the coming years.

Read more about how we can harness the power of stormwater here.

Looking ahead, the necessary shift from reactive solutions to proactive strategies is clear. Embracing sustainable water management strategies not only protects our cities from immediate risks but also lays the foundations for a more resilient, future-ready urban infrastructure. By taking action today, we can ensure that the cities of tomorrow are well-equipped to handle whatever nature may bring their way.

‘Legacy’ Systems: The Challenges and Pitfalls

Unfortunately, outdated water management infrastructure is no match for today’s climate challenges. Many cities across the GCC still rely on traditional systems which were designed decades ago, without considering today’s climate conditions. And these ‘legacy’ infrastructures, typically built with materials like concrete stormwater tanks or vitrified clay, were designed to manage average rainfall patterns, rather than intense storms.
 

The limitations of these older systems often lead to significant challenges. Concrete stormwater tanks, the traditional approach, require an extensive pre-installation phase, heavy machinery, and long curing times of 21–28 days. They are labour-intensive, increase project costs, and have a larger carbon footprint due to quarrying. Maintenance costs can also be nearly double that of modern systems. And the reality is that they were not built to handle the large volumes of water which flash flooding – no matter how rare – can bring, leading to cracks, blockages, and leaks.

In contrast, Polypipe is redefining water management by offering solutions that treat and utilise water in a more sustainable, fit-for-purpose manner. Our systems focus on reducing the reliance on energy-intensive processes while ensuring that treated water is efficiently used across urban environments.

It's not just about moving away from legacy materials like concrete tanks. Shifting from desalination to modern water sources—such as rainwater, greywater, and condensate—combined with solutions like Polystorm and Permavoid, saves energy and resources, benefiting the environment.

For example, our Polystorm stormwater tanks offer a future-proof solution. Lightweight and easy to install, they can be set up in just one day, with whole-life cost savings of up to 60%. Polystorm tanks are adaptable for both shallow and deep systems, provide an end-to-end solution for treatment and flow control, and come with a 50-year design life. Their quick installation also ensures project deadlines are met while delivering significant environmental benefits.

Why Future Planning is Essential

While we cannot control the weather, we can mitigate its impact on the built environment by implementing appropriate systems and infrastructure.

As weather patterns become more unpredictable, future-thinking urban design is essential at the point of building commissioning to ensure that cities are not caught off guard. Instead of reacting to floods and retrofitting after the damage is done, urban planners and property developers can significantly reduce risks by integrating stormwater management systems that control heavy rainfall from day one.

“We have all experienced the reality of the floods earlier this year and saw how they prompted a dialogue around integrating aspects such as health and well-being into future utilities and urban design.

“One of the aspects we always emphasise is that, with rapid urbanisation, when a developer plans these solutions, it’s crucial to look ahead; to work out what the picture will be like in perhaps 30 years, or even 50 years. It's not just for today.

“There obviously has to be substantial forethought in the design that is adopted, but repeatedly, we’re seeing systems that have been designed for temporary use. In reality, we have to help clients overcome that mindset and think – and act – proactively to provide for better future outcomes.”

- Adam Smith, Managing Director, Polypipe Middle East

The Solution: Fit-for-purpose Water Management Systems

So, if ‘legacy’ systems aren’t the solution, what is? For many developers, the answer is Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS).

SuDS offers a future-focused approach to stormwater management, designed to mimic natural processes by capturing rainwater at its source and channelling excess water back into the soil. This reduces flood risks, eases the burden on drainage systems and enhances urban resilience.

Green roofs are the perfect example of this innovation in practice. By integrating plants in place of more conventional building materials, green roofs can retain stormwater and lower the volume at which it would typically enter drainage systems. In doing so, they are able to reduce flood risk by up to 80%. Increased biodiversity as a result of these systems also helps local ecosystems recover faster from natural disasters, supporting the local environment.
 

Meanwhile, blue roofs are designed to catch water at its source, storing rainwater and slowly releasing it to prevent overwhelming drainage systems. Blue roofs can also enable water reuse, making them a key component in sustainable water management. Together, green and blue roofs offer an integrated solution for stormwater management, enhancing urban resilience while promoting biodiversity and water conservation.

SuDS also support natural water cycles by capturing, storing, treating and reusing water, improving both water quantity and quality. And there’s an added benefit – supporting these natural water cycles is also an efficient way to promote vertical farming and enhance food security in an arid region, transforming stormy weather from a threat into a precious resource.

How Polypipe Middle East is Supporting More Sustainable Flood Mitigation

As a leader in sustainable and resilient water and climate management solutions, Polypipe Middle East is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that address the unique climate challenges of the region.

For example, while Polystorm is well-suited for large-scale stormwater storage, for robust retention, attenuation or infiltration at shallower depths, our award-winning water management system, Permavoid, offers a versatile solution for creating SuDS such as blue/green roofs. Permavoid’s lightweight and durable structure supports vegetation while facilitating effective water management, making it ideal for both urban farming and creating green spaces in dense city environments.
 

Looking Ahead and Planning for Tomorrow

Across the GCC, governments are already putting into place clear and comprehensive plans that support sustainable, resilient urban futures. From Saudi Arabia’s sweeping sustainability plans for Vision 2030, to disaster risk reduction measures set out in The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the eyes of the region are firmly set on a flood-resilient future, with sustainable stormwater systems at the core.

However, achieving this vision requires collaboration now among government bodies, industry leaders and urban planners. By working together, we can implement sustainable water management systems early on, mitigating flood risks and paving the way for resilient, thriving urban environments which support cleaner, greener and safer cities – for today, and tomorrow.

For more information on our sustainable stormwater management solutions, please reach out to our technical team:

Tel: +971 (0) 4 518 3000

Email: middleeast@polypipe.com