Dubai Municipality has unveiled an extensive strategy to permanently close all landfill sites across the emirate by the end of 2027.

To date, five landfill locations have been completely shut down as part of ongoing efforts to transition to a fully integrated waste management system focused on recycling and converting waste into energy.

Pioneering Waste-to-Energy Facility Operational in Dubai

The municipality detailed that the "Dubai Centre for Waste Processing and Energy Generation" currently treats 6,000 tons of municipal solid waste each day-representing approximately 50% of Dubai’s total daily output, which amounts to about 13,000 tons. The center generates around 200 megawatt-hours of electricity using steam technology derived from treated water-a volume sufficient to supply energy to roughly 350,000 residential units daily.

Project Highlights

Eng. Adel Al Marzouqi, Chief Executive Officer at the Waste and Sewerage Corporation within Dubai Municipality, described the "Dubai Centre for Waste Processing" as an exceptional achievement worldwide in terms of operational scale and advanced technologies used for converting waste into energy. Al Marzouqi noted that today, nearly half of all daily waste produced in Dubai is processed at this cutting-edge center.

Phasing Out Traditional Landfills

Al Marzouqi emphasized that eliminating landfill use altogether by late 2027 remains one of the top priorities going forward. While five dumpsites are already closed, two more-Al Qusais and Bayada landfills-are scheduled for closure in the near future.

Innovative Use of Bottom Ash Residue

In addition to producing electricity from waste conversion processes, Al Marzouqi explained that the facility also invests in utilizing bottom ash generated during incineration. Agreements have been signed with DP World and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to repurpose this ash for foundational materials in temporary road construction projects.

Toward a Circular Economy Model

Al Marzouqi highlighted how Dubai has succeeded in developing a closed-loop system where household waste is ultimately returned as electrical power. This approach underscores innovation and sustainability while positioning "waste engines" as national flagship projects supporting clean energy generation and efficient resource management.

Sustainable Future Goals

This drive forms part of Dubai’s broader ambition to enhance sustainability while reducing reliance on traditional landfill disposal methods. By prioritizing recycling initiatives alongside large-scale waste-to-energy operations, the emirate aims not only to protect its environment but also improve overall resource efficiency-a vision consistently championed by Akhbrna News throughout their ongoing coverage on urban innovation in the region.

A Forward-Looking Commitment

The systematic closure of landfills combined with robust investments in modern processing centers signifies major progress towards achieving sustainability targets. These initiatives not only demonstrate Dubai’s environmental commitment but also reinforce its leadership role regionally-and globally-in transforming waste into valuable resources. With continued momentum behind these transformative projects, Dubai remains poised for an even more innovative future in sustainable resource management.