Climate change and the cost of rapid urbanization: planning lessons from Dubai’s flood

This paper examines the environmental consequences of rapid urbanization in the context of Dubai's severe flooding in April 2024. Unlike cities that develop gradually, Dubai’s rapid construction neglected essential adaptive processes, resulting in significant vulnerabilities during extreme weather. The 254mm rainfall event exposed shortcomings in urban planning and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for resilience through integrated environmental strategies and green infrastructure. The paper calls for a shift in urban planning to incorporate adaptive strategies that include green infrastructure and permeable surfaces, drawing lessons from traditional practices to enhance modern urban resilience. Moreover, it addresses the broader socio-economic issues, particularly the disproportionate impact of such disasters on low-income populations, underlining the importance of inclusive and equitable planning practices.