Dubai is full of futuristic skyscrapers. But a growing number of architects in the emirate, that hosted the recently concluded COP28 climate summit, are now designing buildings more sustainably, blending the latest technology and age-old construction techniques.
Such methods include minimising the use of glass, incorporating traditional Islamic architecture to create shade, orienting buildings away from the Sun, and constructing in accordance to wind patterns to increase natural ventilation.
Other techniques include using more energy efficient building materials that reflect heat and building thicker walls that absorb heat during the day and release it at night. Temperatures in Dubai regularly climb 37C for several months each year.
Air-conditioning became widely available in the UAE in the 1970s, not long after oil was discovered. But increased reliance on these energy guzzlers will only contribute to a cycle of mounting energy demand and worsening global warming.
UAE’s Deepening Focus On Sustainable Construction Design
Nonetheless, there is a growing awareness of rising temperatures in Dubai. The emirate is the first city in the Middle East to receive platinum certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Cities Programme.
One example of a sustainable construction design in the country is in Masdar City on the outskirts of the capital, Abu Dhabi. Buildings have been positioned in a way that allows for strong breezes to keep pedestrians cool, even in high temperatures.
Parts of the city are elevated to take advantage of stronger winds. In addition, it has a couple of net-zero buildings (meaning the greenhouse gases they produce are offset by other activities) and is constructing three more.
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COP28 marked multiple landmark moments. Participants agreed to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund to compensate developing countries for climate change-induced disasters. The event also stressed the need to transition away from polluting fossil fuels.
