Dubai study shows how treating trees as 'essential infrastructure' can cool cities

High-tech project assesses impact of greenery on urban centres

Dubai research has highlighted the important role of greenery as 'climate technology'. Antonie Robertson / The National

A cutting-edge Dubai initiative has highlighted the crucial cooling properties of trees in major cities – and underlined the need to integrate greenery into urban development plans.

The Re-Leaf project used advanced computer vision and AI analysis of satellite imagery, street-level views, and thermal imaging of more than 2,000 trees, to create a data set of urban greenery across Dubai, Amsterdam, Los Angeles and Rome.

It found that trees can be up to 15°C cooler than surrounding surfaces, with native drought-resistant species such as neem significantly outperforming more widely planted species.

The team behind the study said this insight was particularly valuable for arid regions such as the UAE, where water security features high on the environmental agenda.

Re-Leaf is the result of a partnership between Dubai Future Foundation, a government-established body, and Senseable City Lab Dubai.

It is the first MIT Senseable City Lab in the Middle East, formed under an agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US in 2023.

The project has been on display at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2025, in Italy.

“Dubai has shown that advanced technologies and strategic partnerships can generate insights that matter well beyond our borders,” said Khalifa Al Qama, director of Dubai Future Labs at Dubai Future Foundation.

“With Re-Leaf, we are treating greenery as essential infrastructure for the cities of tomorrow.”

The AI-driven project was unveiled at the International Architecture Exhibition in Venice. Photo: Dubai Future Foundation

“Showcasing this work in Venice demonstrates Dubai’s ambition to contribute solutions that support urban resilience, not only for our city, but for the world.”

Carlo Ratti, director of the MIT Senseable City Lab, said trees play a critical role in the world's fight against climate change.

“In a hotter world, trees must be seen as essential infrastructure, not just decoration,” he said.

“With artificial intelligence, we can finally measure and optimise their cooling impact with precision. Sometimes, the smartest climate technology is already rooted in the ground – and it doesn’t strain the power grid.”

At the Venice Biennale, the Re-Leaf immersive installation features skyscraper-like structures that each represent greenery levels in participating cities.

Green drive

Dubai's Jumeirah Lakes Towers, more widely known as JLT, has been hailed as a prime example of a how a carefully planned district with ample greenery can benefit its community.

Dr Ansar Khan, an assistant professor of geography at the University of Calcutta in India, has previously told The National of the benefits of JLT's layout.

“The area boasts ample greenery, including landscaped parks and lakes, which play a crucial role in reducing ambient temperatures through shading and evapotranspiration [in which plants and the soil release water],” Dr Khan said.

Planting trees or creating vegetation-covered green roofs and green walls can reduce heating and improve air quality.

“Engaging residents and stakeholders in urban greening projects can foster community resilience and create shared spaces that promote well-being and environmental sustainability,” Dr Khan said.

In June, The National revealed how a small street in a Dubai neighbourhood was trying to ease summer heat.

Shaded by trees and plants, the informal space in Satwa funnels the wind and is noticeably cooler than surrounding areas, while also offering a place to rest and relax.

Large bushes such as a bougainvillea and rows of potted plants provide shade in the area.

These ideas were examined over the summer by eight architecture students from Canadian University Dubai in a six-week course focusing on the design of “parklets” – small, low-cost and informal public areas typically about the size of one or two parking spaces.