Tribe Advisory is guiding its client, Dubai Municipality, on the landmark Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels (DSST) project. The project has an estimated CAPEX of 30 billion (US$8 billion) and a total lifecycle cost of AED 80 billion.
The DSST will modernise Dubai’s sewerage system by transitioning from a pumped to a gravity-based system, decommissioning pump stations for greater sustainability.
The project includes 75 kilometres of deep wastewater tunnels, comprising:
- Bur Dubai Deep Tunnel: 50 kilometres
- Deira Deep Tunnel: 25 kilometres
Supporting infrastructure consists of 140 kilometres of link sewers and two major terminal pump stations. The tunnels will reach depths of up to 90 meters underground, ensuring efficient wastewater management across the city.
The DSST project, which will comprise 4 separate packages, is currently in the tender phase, with the first package planned to be awarded in late 2025.
Tribe Advisory’s Role
As the lead and financial advisor to Dubai Municipality, Tribe Advisory has played a pivotal role in the development of the DSST. Tribe’s responsibilities as lead and financial advisor span multiple critical areas, from overall project and programme management, stakeholder engagement and management, securing Government approvals and budget allocation from Department of Finance, business case development and ensuring the project’s alignment with strategic goals, financial feasibility, and stakeholder expectations.
Key contributions include:
- Strategic Guidance: Tribe provided end-to-end strategic support, helping Dubai Municipality navigate complex contractual, financial, and operational frameworks while maintaining focus on long-term sustainability and cost efficiency.
- Project and Programme Management: Tribe is managing other overall project procurement programme, comprising 4 individual project packages. Vrall management of the time line and advisory consortium delivarables
- Feasibility Studies: Tribe conducted an in-depth feasibility study for the entire project, evaluating technical, financial, and operational aspects. This analysis identified challenges and opportunities, presenting clear insights to stakeholders on the project’s financial benefits, value for money and long-term viability.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Tribe Advisory effectively communicated the project’s objectives, opportunities, and risks to key stakeholders, ensuring alignment across all parties involved.
- Request for Qualification (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) Development: Tribe Advisory prepared the RFQ and reviewed submissions to ensure compliance and competitiveness from consortiums comprised of sponsors, EPC contractors and O&M contractors.
- Pre-Qualification and Contractor Selection: Tribe Advisory developed comprehensive pre-qualification documents and facilitated the selection process for EPC contractors. These efforts led to the successful prequalification of contractors and developers, ensuring a pool of capable and experienced participants for the project.
James Cook, CEO, Tribe Advisory
“Our role in the DSST project highlights Tribe Advisory’s expertise in navigating complex financial and operational frameworks for large-scale infrastructure projects. By providing end-to-end advisory services, we have ensured that the project remains aligned with long-term sustainability goals while attracting significant global and regional investment interest.”
Peter McCreanor, CEO, Tribe Group
“The Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels project is a transformative initiative that embodies Dubai’s vision for sustainable urban development. As the lead advisor, Tribe is honoured to support Dubai Municipality in delivering innovative infrastructure solutions that set a benchmark for global best practices.”
Summary
The DSST aligns with Dubai’s long-term urban and sustainability goals, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting population growth. The project is a PPP initiative with international consortiums managing operations under 25-35-year agreements.
About Tribe
Tribe Infrastructure Group is focused on realising national ambitions through innovative financing and development of critical infrastructure.
Headquartered at the Abu Dhabi and with offices in London, Riyadh, Manila and Sydney, Tribe operates as an independent and agile partner, strongly grounded in responsible value creation.
Tribe Advisory is the proprietary financial services arm of Tribe infrastructure Group. Tribe Advisory holds a category 4 licence and is supervised and regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority at the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
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