Why Al Fahidi is cooler than Jumeirah: how older neighbourhoods keep temperatures down

As the mercury rises each summer, the obvious response is to turn the air conditioning to full blast to ensure that, indoors at least, things remain comfortable.

But, as has long been known in the UAE and the wider region, there are ways other than air con, such as employing wind towers and shading, to maintain a pleasant environment during the hottest parts of the year.

Research has shown that some older-style neighbourhoods, such as Al Fahidi in Dubai, which has a higher density of buildings, tend to keep peak temperatures down better than more modern low-rise neighbourhoods, such as Jumeirah in Dubai.

Air temperatures in the country’s more traditional residential neighbourhoods can be 1°C to 2°C lower than those in more modern areas, researchers from Ajman University found.

“The results reveal that the highest density traditional urban form achieved the best thermal comfort values due to the street geometries and less exposure to solar radiation compared with the other configurations,” the researchers wrote.

There is recognition among some architects and others in the building sector that it is important to find ways to keep buildings cool without using energy, not least because air conditioners are consuming increasing amounts of energy.

Between 1990 and 2016, the quantity of energy used to cool internal spaces in the Middle East increased five-fold, from 25 to 125 terawatt hours of electricity, World Bank figures indicate.

As climate change causes temperatures to rise, and as countries become more affluent, the number of air conditioners globally is forecast to triple to five billion by the middle of this century.

The study looked at six neighbourhoods in the UAE, three of which were described as being of more traditional design.

These were Al Marija in Sharjah, a low-density neighbourhood, Sidroh in Ras Al Khaimah, a low-medium density area, and Dubai’s Al Fahidi.

For comparison, three more modern areas in Dubai were assessed, namely Al Mamzar, a low-density neighbourhood, Jumeirah, a low-medium density neighbourhood, and Al Safa I, which has a high density of buildings.

Temperatures are slightly higher in modern low-rise neighbourhoods, such as Jumeirah. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Complex computer simulations found that two metrics were particularly important in determining how much an area was affected by the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which is the way that urban areas tend to have elevated temperatures.

One is the sky view factor (SVF), the amount of sky visible from the ground, while the other is the development’s height-to-width (H/W) ratio.

Every year in August, the more old-fashioned or traditional urban developments with high H/W ratios and low SVFs had the coolest average daily and peak hours temperatures.

“The traditional urban forms recorded 1°C to 2°C less than the modern forms in the daytime peak hours,” the researchers wrote.

Conversely, the highest daily air temperatures were recorded in modern urban configurations with low H/W ratios and high SVFs.

Dubai's Al Fahidi area guide: where to eat, shop and stay in the historic neighbourhood

Al Fahidi had the lowest air temperature of all during the day, achieving what was described as “the optimum human thermal comfort”.

“Compact urban morphologies cut down on both the amount of solar radiation that reaches the ground surface as well as the duration that people are exposed to the sun,” the researchers said.

Higher buildings can, the research indicated, help to keep external pathways shaded and so more comfortable. In what are described as “deep canyons”, as little as 8 per cent of the street width may be exposed to solar radiation, while in “shallow canyons” the figure is can be 85 per cent.

Although cooler during the peak hours, traditional neighbourhoods tended to be slightly warmer during the early morning and the late evening.

The Jumeirah neighbourhood in Dubai, a modern area of detached villas of “low-medium density” with low H/W and high SVF, had the highest peak daytime temperatures.

A version of this story was first published in August, 2022

Middle East temperatures set to keep rising: in pictures

Temperatures in the Middle East are set to keep rising by almost 0.5°C per decade, with extreme weather events, such as droughts, becoming more common. AFP

Iraqis visit an area near what used to be Lake Sawa, which has all but dried up due to climate change-induced drought, in Samawa city. Reuters

Extreme weather events – including torrential rain – will become more common. Pawan Singh / The National

Researchers predict an increase in severity and duration of extreme weather, such as dust storms. More torrential rain and subsequent flash floods are also expected. EPA

Trees burn during a forest blaze caused by extreme temperatures in Larache, northern Morocco. AP

Climate-change experts say countries need to reduce carbon emissions by deploying more solar power, a sector in which the UAE has invested heavily. Pawan Singh / The National

Developing public transport via trains across the Middle East should also be a high priority, researchers said. Photo: Etihad Rail

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What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

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What is Folia?

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.

Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."

Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.

In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".

There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.

While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."

What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.

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Tips to stay safe during hot weather

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

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