Doha’s Al-Thumama Project Wins Flood Resilience Award
Climate change poses unprecedented challenges for urban centers worldwide, with extreme weather events like flooding becoming more frequent and severe. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) emphasize the urgent need for climate action and resilient infrastructure to ensure sustainable urban living.
In this context, flood resiliency has become a critical focus, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities vulnerable to climate risks. Qatar exemplifies proactive innovation, as highlighted by the groundbreaking Al-Thumama Surface & Ground Water Networks project—a significant step forward in addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and urban sustainability.
Al-Thumama: A Blueprint for Flood-Resilient Cities
The Al-Thumama Surface & Ground Water Networks project in Qatar, spearheaded by the Drainage Network Projects Department of the Public Works Authority (PWA), has garnered national recognition for its innovative approach to flood resiliency. Recently named the National Winner in the Water Transmission Project of the Year category at the MEED Projects Awards, the project underscores Qatar’s commitment to sustainable urban development and climate adaptation.
Initially conceived as part of the FIFA Readiness Project, the collaboration between Khatib & Alami (K&A) and PWA sought to prepare Qatar’s infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, the devastating floods in 2018 highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy. The project’s scope expanded beyond FIFA-related goals, aiming to enhance Doha’s flood resilience and protect its rapidly growing urban population.
Project Manager, Sherief Hanafy, stated: “K&A’s role was instrumental in designing and implementing a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy. This included installing strategically placed storm and gully drains to manage heavy rainwater runoff, prevent flooding in critical areas, and protect key infrastructure.”
Smart Technologies Power Qatar’s Flood Mitigation Efforts
The project aligns with sustainability goals by integrating green infrastructure solutions, such as soakaways and geotextiles, to improve water infiltration, enhance groundwater recharge, and reduce surface water pollution. Smart technologies, including advanced flow control valves and real-time data collection systems, were implemented to monitor and optimize drainage performance during heavy rainfall. “These innovations allowed authorities to monitor and manage the drainage system more effectively, ensuring optimal performance during heavy rainfall events and enabling swift responses to potential issues,” Hanafy added.
Moreover, K&A utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) to streamline project management and operational efficiency, ensuring adaptability and providing actionable insights throughout the project lifecycle.
Vice President for Qatar, Alex Hanna, commented: “The Al-Thumama Surface & Ground Water Networks project is more than a response to a global sporting event—it’s a testament to Qatar’s commitment to long-term environmental resilience. This project underscores the lasting impact of K&A’s innovative design and engineering solutions, ensuring that Doha remains flood-resilient and better equipped to handle future challenges.”