Oasis effect for cooler cities?

Desert and dryland climates are experiencing significant changes due to climate change, rapid population growth, and ambitious net-zero city plans. This study investigates the “Oasis Effect,” a phenomenon where vegetation and water bodies create cooler microclimates, in the context of urban heat stress in hot arid regions such as Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Using ENVI-met simulations, the study assesses the impact of green spaces, such as tree canopies, and proximity to water bodies on mitigating this heat stress under various future scenarios. Findings reveal that while vegetation provides some localized cooling, its overall impact on reducing PET, humidity, and air temperature is limited. Water bodies demonstrate a more pronounced cooling effect, emphasizing the need for integrated cooling strategies that combine green and blue infrastructures. The study underscores the importance of exploring urban morphological and geometrical parameters, alongside green spaces, to enhance the Oasis Effect. Future research should focus on optimising the spatial configuration of urban environments to maximize cooling benefits, incorporating both traditional and modern approaches to create resilient and sustainable cities capable of achieving net-zero emissions in the face of escalating climate challenges.