In cities such as Dubai, extreme summer heat has transformed public life. Sidewalks empty out, cafés sit deserted and stepping outdoors at midday can feel unbearable due to intense humidity and stagnant air. Public spaces that are lively in cooler months become nearly unusable during peak heat.

For decades, Gulf states have responded with a straightforward solution: retreat indoors. Buildings are sealed off from the outside world, with glass doors shut and air conditioning running at full power. This approach has shaped urban design across the region, prioritizing climate-controlled interiors over shaded, walkable streets.

As global temperatures rise, the architectural strategies developed in these harsh environments offer lessons for other parts of the world. The challenge is how to design cities that remain livable in extreme climates while reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems.