Property firms deploy 24/7 engineering teams, activate warranty repairs, and urge residents to secure insurance as communities recover from record flooding
DUBAI — Property developers across the UAE have activated emergency response protocols and are offering free maintenance services where applicable, as residents grapple with flooding and property damage following some of the heaviest rainfall in the country’s history this week.
Engineering and maintenance teams have been deployed around the clock to assist communities, with developers coordinating cleaning efforts, providing technical guidance, and fast-tracking repairs covered under warranty periods.
24/7 Response and Warranty Coverage
Ziad Haddad, senior vice-president at Damac Properties – Loams, said the company has taken extensive measures to prepare for severe weather events.
“During extreme weather events, we extend support to residents wherever possible. This includes coordinating cleaning efforts, providing technical guidance, and connecting residents with trusted service providers to address in-unit concerns efficiently,” Haddad said.
He added that issues falling under the Defects Liability Period (DLP)—a timeframe of approximately six to 12 months after project completion during which contractors are responsible for fixing defects at their own cost—are promptly escalated for immediate review and rectification.
Loams, the community management company for Damac Properties, manages over 50,000 residential units serving an estimated 300,000 residents.
Proactive Planning Ahead of Storms
Developers said advance communication and on-ground preparations helped mitigate the impact of the severe weather.
Winston Klint, chief operating officer of Meraki Integrated Contracting, Meraki Group, said residents were notified in advance and advised to take necessary precautions.
“Facility management teams were deployed round the clock over the past three days to closely monitor the situation. Additional technical teams were also kept on standby to respond swiftly to any potential issues,” Klint said.
He confirmed that no incidents have been reported, and all units remain under the DLP, allowing any reported concerns to be resolved promptly.
Building Resilience from the Outset
Francis Alfred, managing director of Sobha Realty, said extreme weather events serve as a reminder that resilience and quality must be embedded in communities from the beginning.
“Our facility and community management teams closely monitor official weather advisories and activate precautionary measures in advance, including overnight inspections and proactive water clearance, to help ensure internal roads remain accessible and residents experience minimal disruption to daily life,” Alfred said.
He added that the safety, comfort, and peace of mind of residents remain the company’s highest priority.
Water Evacuation and Safety Measures
Haddad detailed the comprehensive water management strategies implemented across Damac communities, including pre-positioning additional water tankers, installing sandbags in vulnerable areas, and ensuring exposed electrical components are properly sealed to prevent water ingress.
“Water evacuation strategies are carefully planned, with sump pumps, dewatering equipment, and temporary containment solutions deployed based on risk assessments. Low-lying or historically vulnerable areas are prioritised with higher-capacity resources,” he said.
Digital Tools and Insurance Advice
Tizian Raab, vice-president of communications at Azizi Developments, said the company remains in close contact with residents through community management provider VCM.
“A dedicated hotline, email address, and our mobile application are all active, ensuring residents can quickly report any concerns or damage and receive timely support,” Raab said. “Our teams are continuously monitoring all properties, coordinating with service partners on the ground, and prioritising responses where necessary.”
Developers also encouraged residents to maintain appropriate insurance coverage for their homes and belongings to ensure comprehensive protection of individual assets.
“On the ground, full emergency protocols are activated, including the deployment of engineering teams, inspection of drainage systems, staging of pumps and safety equipment, and continuous monitoring through integrated CCTV systems,” Haddad said. “Our teams operate around the clock, often remaining on-site, to ensure uninterrupted coverage and rapid response.”
