DUBAI REAL ESTATE SECTOR’S WORLD-CLASS RESPONSE TO RECORD-BREAKING RAINFALL

The Dubai real estate industry demonstrated its exceptional services and reliability in the face of the region’s record-breaking flood on April 16, 2024. Combined efforts from the Dubai government, real estate developers, and residential management companies ensured that all affected citizens and residents received necessary support at no cost to its people.

Prince Hamdan Approves Initiatives to Mitigate Flood Damage

On April 21, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved a series of initiatives and measures to urgently mitigate the impact of the record-breaking rainfall in Dubai.

Notably, Sheikh Hamdan directed the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Real Estate Regulation Authority (RERA) to coordinate with property developers to expedite the restoration of normalcy in all communities managed by the developers.

In particular, all residential management services and real estate developers must offer the following services at no charge:

1. Alternative housing for residents affected by the weather
2. Distribution of food within affected communities
3. Comprehensive pest control services
4. Enhanced security
5. Assistance with returning to residential properties
6. Interior cleaning services
7. Monitoring and documenting rain damages for insurance purposes

1. Assistance in assessing potential risks to properties

Top Real Estate Developers Extend Support to Residents

Dubai’s top real estate developers started their own initiatives in response to the record-breaking rainfall.

• Emaar Properties Founder Mohamed Alabbar announced that they will repair homes damaged in the Dubai rains and floods at no cost to the residents. “Emaar will undertake the repair of all properties within our communities that have been damaged by the recent rains at its own cost to ensure that our residents can return to their daily lives as swiftly and smoothly as possible.”
• Private real estate developer MAG pledged the same — covering all costs of necessary repairs affecting residents across its residential developments. In a statement, MAG Lifestyle Development CEO Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah said, “In light of the unprecedented weather conditions experienced in the UAE earlier this week, it is incumbent upon us to stand by our customers during these challenging times. The resilience demonstrated by our residents, coupled with the supportive measures enacted by the wise government, serves as inspiration for us to extend our assistance to those in need.”
• Damac Properties, the largest private developer in Dubai, announced that its properties did not sustain any serious structural damages during the flood, but still reassured residents that their properties are fully insured. Furthermore, nearly 1,000 Damac employees engaged in relief efforts alongside local authorities to restore normalcy in Dubai communities.

UAE President Orders Investigation of Damaged Infrastructure

Following the record-breaking rainfall, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered an investigation of rain-damaged infrastructure. Sheikh Mohamed urged authorities to immediately assess the condition of infrastructure around the UAE and reduce the damage caused by the country`s highest rainfall on record.

Dubai Real Estate’s Exceptional Flood Response

Throughout this calamity, the Dubai real estate sector demonstrated why it is one of the world`s leading real estate industries. Despite witnessing a previously unprecedented flood in the region, Dubai real estate made significant efforts to restore normalcy at no cost to its people — proving and reassuring its exceptional service and reliability even in the face of unprecedented disasters.

The Dubai government, real estate developers, and residential management companies have all worked together to guarantee that the city is better prepared for similar situations in the future.