Passengers at Dubai Metro stations such as OnPassive and Equiti may have noticed sturdy barriers at station entrances. These aren’t temporary fixes—they are part of a long-term solution to safeguard the network against heavy rainfall, shaped by lessons from the UAE’s record 2024 floods.
On April 16, 2024, the UAE experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years. Several above-ground Metro stations, including OnPassive, Equiti, Mashreq, and Energy, were forced to suspend operations after floodwaters inundated low-lying areas, causing disruptions and potential damage to electrical and operational systems.
In response, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) identified the most vulnerable points and implemented ‘FloodWall’ barriers, a system developed by Norwegian manufacturer AquaFence and supplied locally by Avalon Access Technical Services in a joint venture. The barriers, standing 1.2 to 1.8 metres high, now form protective perimeters around four high-risk stations, guiding water away from sensitive infrastructure and into designated drainage areas.
Mujeeb Karim, head of operations at Avalon Access Technical Services, explained: “The system helps manage flooding at stations like OnPassive, where even modest rainfall can otherwise find a way in. Since the 2024 floods, we have reduced damage and prevented service disruptions.” Aluminium rubber seals along the base ensure water cannot seep past the barriers, while integrated pumps remove any accumulated water efficiently. More
By Staff CW online
