CLIMATE - Assessing Climate Variability and Change in Qatar: Projections of regional risks and feasibility of urban-scale adaptation solutions

This research project aims to assess, model, and mitigate the impacts of climate change in Qatar and the Arabian Peninsula through an integrated approach combining observational analysis, regional climate modeling, future projections, and adaptive heat mitigation strategies in the coastal, desert, urban environment of Doha. This project begins by analyzing long-term variability in climate hazards such as temperature trends, precipitation shifts, sea level rise, and extreme weather events using data from meteorological stations, satellites, and global datasets to ensure data accuracy for subsequent modeling efforts. A high-resolution regional climate model (CLWRF) will be deployed to simulate past climate conditions, assess urban ambient conditions, and capture the impact of Doha’s urban morphology on the local climate. These simulations will serve as a basis for developing future climate projections spanning 2030 to 2100, evaluating shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme events under various greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Building on these projections, the research will focus on assessing the effects of climate change on Doha’s outdoor thermal environment, air and surface temperatures, and building cooling demand. Furthermore, it will model and simulate heat mitigation strategies tailored to the urban morphology of Doha, such as green infrastructure, cool materials, and shading, to enhance outdoor thermal comfort and reduce cooling energy consumption. The findings will support the formulation of evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and urban planners to improve urban resilience and align with Qatar’s sustainability goals under the 2030 national vision.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)