Cities across the Middle East and Africa are experiencing increasingly extreme temperatures, putting immense pressure on existing infrastructure. This summer, a new temperature record of 51.8°C was set in Sweihan, UAE. The article argues that this is not a one-time event but a clear pattern that demands immediate action. With electricity demand projected to rise by 3% annually, there is a vital need to build smarter, more resilient energy and water systems.
Building a Smarter Future
The writer highlights several technological solutions that are already in use and ready to be scaled up:
- Smart Building Systems: These systems can adjust cooling, lighting, and ventilation in real-time to reduce energy waste and make indoor spaces more comfortable.
- Efficient Design: Advanced design tools can simulate how buildings will perform before construction, helping planners choose materials and layouts that ensure long-term efficiency and low-carbon operation.
- Data-Driven Infrastructure: Modern water and energy plants can use intelligent devices to collect data, allowing operators to optimize consumption, predict maintenance needs, and use digital twins to simulate operations.
- Decentralized Energy: The use of microgrids can improve resilience by allowing communities to operate independently during main grid failures, making the overall energy system more reliable.
Regional Ambition and Lasting Progress
The article notes that governments in the region are already demonstrating strong ambition with ambitious climate goals. The UAE, for example, is aiming for Net Zero by 2050 and plans to cut emissions by 47% by 2035. By combining these national commitments with smart technologies, better design, and regional cooperation, the author concludes that the Middle East can turn climate pressure into lasting progress and build cities that can thrive despite rising temperatures.
