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Dubai and all its wealth and innovation could be under threat! Find out more about the future of the city of deserts
In recent years, Dubai has transformed itself from a small fishing village into one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, thanks to discovery of large oil reserves in 1966. They economic leap allowed the emirate create some of the greatest architectural works on the planet, such as artificial islands, deserts and Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
However, accelerated growth, combined with a lack of planning and adverse geographic conditions, can have catastrophic consequences for the future of the city, according to the video on the Knowledge Global channel.
DUBAI: Emerging risks and the need for action
The unbridled growth of Dubai and its deserts has generated a series of structural and environmental problems. The sewage network, for example, is only expected to be completed in 2025, forcing the city to use septic tank trucks to remove waste. This is just one of the many challenges facing the emirate.
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Furthermore, Dubai was classified in 2008 as the place with the worst ecological footprint per capita in the world, that is, the city has almost no sustainability measures due to its high energy consumption, much of it generated by fossil fuels.
Find out more details about the “end of Dubai”
Sustainability challenges: erosion and desertification
Dubai's famous artificial islands and deserts are sinking and eroding due to changes in marine currents. They lose between 10 and 15 cubic meters of sand per year e sink about five millimeters annually. On dry land, the problem is even more serious. Photos from 2018 show deserts are advancing over urbanized areas, damaging existing infrastructure. Between 2002 and 2018, Dubai lost 56% of its arable land, intensifying dependence on imports for food and water.
Initiatives to mitigate problems and contribute to sustainability
To address these challenges, the Dubai government has invested in several initiatives. In 2010, the planting one million trees to combat desertification, but the lack of planning resulted in the death of all the trees. The technique of seeding clouds to create artificial rain is another strategy used, although its long-term effects are unknown and may cause flooding.
One of the most promising solutions comes from a Norwegian startup called Desert Control, which has developed a liquid nanoclay spraying technique to transform degraded soils into cultivable areas. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize agriculture in arid regions, but it still needs to be perfected and become economically viable.
The role of money in Dubai's future
Dubai has the advantage of having significant financial resources, which allows it to invest in technology and infrastructure in deserts. However, the city's long-term sustainability will depend on more conscious and planned decisions. Efficient use of energy, proper management of water resources and consideration of environmental impacts are crucial to ensuring Dubai continues to prosper.
Dubai's future is at a crossroads
The city must balance its rapid growth with the urgent need to resolve its environmental and structural problems. If innovative solutions and investments are well targeted, Dubai may not just overcome these challenges, but also serve as an example for other regions of the world facing similar problems. The hope is that the techniques developed in Dubai can be applied globally, contributing to sustainability and food security on a planetary scale.
