AER - Arabian Equipment Staff
27 Jun 2025
AER’s Expert Guidance on Managing Flow and Minimising Downtime During Utility and Drainage Works in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
In busy cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, infrastructure upgrades are essential to keep pace with urban growth, but they also present significant engineering challenges. One critical issue during such upgrades is how to maintain continuous flow through live systems such as sewer lines, stormwater drains or irrigation networks without interrupting service.
That is where bypass pumping systems come into play. These temporary setups allow for the isolation, repair or replacement of pipelines while keeping flow active, a vital function in high-demand areas where shutting down a system is simply not an option.
Arabian Equipment (AER) has delivered bypass solutions across a wide range of infrastructure projects throughout the UAE. In this article, we explain when you should consider a bypass pumping system and how it can reduce risk, avoid service disruption and protect surrounding assets.
What Is a Bypass Pumping System?
A bypass pumping system temporarily reroutes flow around a section of active infrastructure. Pumps are used to divert liquid, typically wastewater or stormwater, through above-ground pipework or flexible hoses while maintenance or construction is performed on the isolated section of the system.
These systems are designed to:
Prevent backflow or overflow
Maintain service continuity for residents or businesses
Avoid contamination or environmental breaches
Keep critical infrastructure functional during works
When Is a Bypass Pumping System Required?
1. During Sewer and Stormwater Line Rehabilitation
If pipelines in Dubai’s urban zones or Abu Dhabi’s residential areas require relining or replacement, bypass pumping is necessary to ensure that sewage and runoff continue to flow while the existing lines are out of service.
This is particularly important in:
City centres
Mixed-use developments
Areas with shallow underground utilities
AER designs systems that match expected flow volumes and work within tight space constraints.
2. For Emergency Repairs on Live Systems
Unexpected pipe failures, collapses or blockages can result in service interruptions, environmental spills and public complaints. A rapid bypass solution is often required to divert flow while the damaged section is repaired.
AER maintains standby units across Dubai and Abu Dhabi to respond quickly when emergency bypass support is needed.
3. When Replacing or Upgrading Pumping Stations
Many drainage and sewer systems rely on fixed pumping stations, which may need upgrades during long-term network improvements. During these periods, temporary bypass systems allow for the seamless transfer of flow to downstream infrastructure.
Bypass setups in this context are more complex and must be engineered for:
Extended durations
Variable peak and off-peak flows
Safe integration with live control systems
AER provides complete design, installation and 24-hour monitoring for such cases.
4. During Major Road or Utility Corridor Works
When infrastructure upgrades are taking place under motorways, service roads or utility corridors, access to buried pipework often requires partial shutdowns or redirection of flow.
In such situations, bypass systems help avoid:
Flooding of excavation zones
HSE hazards to site crews
Unexpected contamination incidents
This is especially critical in industrial zones, airport perimeters or municipal service routes in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Key Benefits of Bypass Pumping with AER
Site-specific flow modelling to match volume and pressure requirements
Rapid deployment and removal without disrupting existing structures
Compliance with municipal and environmental standards
Emergency support available 24 hours a day
Temporary pipework and fittings designed for stability and safety
AER ensures that every bypass system is fully tested, monitored and maintained for the duration of the project.
Bypass pumping is not just a technical workaround, it is a critical part of infrastructure continuity. Whether working on a scheduled upgrade or responding to an emergency, contractors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi must plan carefully to ensure flow is maintained and disruptions are avoided.
Arabian Equipment brings the local knowledge, technical capability and rapid response required to deliver reliable bypass pumping solutions for both public and private sector clients.
If your project involves live drainage or utility systems, contact AER to design a bypass strategy that keeps your site safe, compliant and on schedule.
