In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, where temperatures routinely soar, a groundbreaking study has shed new light on the intricate dance between urban expansion, land cover changes, and land surface temperature (LST) in Abu Dhabi. Led by Mona S. Ramadan of the Geography and Urban Sustainability Department at the United Arab Emirates University, the research leverages the power of Google Earth Engine (GEE) to analyze spatiotemporal patterns of land cover and LST, offering valuable insights for urban planners, energy providers, and policymakers.
The study, published in the journal *Frontiers in Environmental Science* (translated to English as “Frontiers in Environmental Science”), reveals a dynamic interplay between land cover changes and LST in this arid urban environment. Between 2017 and 2024, Abu Dhabi witnessed a significant transformation in its landscape. Bare desert coverage declined from 92.8% to 90.9%, while urban land grew from 3.0% to 4.5%, and vegetation increased from 3.3% to 4.1%. Notably, water bodies decreased from 0.9% to 0.5%, a trend that could have implications for water management and urban planning.
The thermal analysis based on MODIS summer composites uncovered some surprising findings. Despite COVID-19 mobility restrictions in 2020, which might have been expected to reduce urban heat, the year recorded the highest average LST at 53.14°C. This anomaly can be attributed to extreme heat and atmospheric conditions, highlighting the complex factors influencing urban heat islands (UHIs). By 2024, the average LST declined to 48.76°C, a reduction of 3.6°C, coinciding with expanded vegetation and milder summer temperatures.
“These results underscore the critical role of green infrastructure in mitigating the urban heat island effect in hyper-arid cities,” Ramadan explained. “The consistent thermal hierarchy observed—bare desert being the hottest, followed by urban areas, vegetation, and water bodies—provides a clear roadmap for sustainable land management and urban climate resilience.”
For the energy sector, these findings are particularly relevant. As urban areas expand and temperatures rise, the demand for cooling energy increases, placing a significant strain on power grids. Understanding the relationship between land cover and LST can help energy providers anticipate demand and plan for more efficient and sustainable cooling solutions. Additionally, the cooling effects of vegetation and water bodies can inform the design of energy-efficient urban landscapes, reducing the need for artificial cooling and lowering energy costs.
The study’s insights contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By providing geospatial insights for sustainable land management and urban climate resilience, the research paves the way for more informed decision-making and innovative solutions to the challenges posed by urban expansion and climate change.
As cities around the world grapple with the impacts of urbanization and climate change, the lessons learned from Abu Dhabi’s experience can offer valuable guidance. The study’s findings highlight the importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning and the need for a holistic approach to land management. By doing so, cities can not only mitigate the urban heat island effect but also enhance the quality of life for their residents and reduce the environmental footprint of urban development.
In the words of Ramadan, “The future of sustainable urban development lies in our ability to understand and harness the natural cooling effects of vegetation and water bodies. This research is a step towards that future, providing a foundation for further exploration and innovation in the field of urban climate resilience.”