Pioneering sustainable solutions in Dubai

Serving as BESIX’s first ever tunnel boring machine (TBM) project in Dubai, the Deep Tunnel Storm Water System is part of Dubai Municipality’s vision for the city’s future as a leader in sustainability and innovation. The 10 kilometre long, 11 metre wide tunnel running 45 metres below ground was excavated using two TBMs from China Railway Engineering Group. With increased urbanisation, extreme rainfall events and high levels of groundwater posing significant challenges to the city’s growing residential and business communities, the tunnel allows 40% of the city’s entire urban area to be drained, greatly reducing the risk of flooding. The project was completed on schedule ahead of the planned Expo 2020 in Dubai, which has been postponed due to the pandemic.