About the Workshop

The Urban Climate Research Workshop at KAUST is designed to bring together leading international experts, researchers, and Saudi city officials to address the pressing challenges of climate change and its implications for urban systems. Through a series of focused sessions, the workshop will explore how advanced modeling, artificial intelligence, and data-driven approaches can transform the way cities plan for and respond to climate extremes. Central to the discussions is the integration of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) models and their practical applications in supporting urban decision-making. By showcasing the cutting-edge work of the KAUST Urban Lab and facilitating dialogue between academia and policymakers, this workshop aims to define the key needs of Saudi cities, demonstrate innovative modeling and analytical tools, and establish a roadmap for actionable climate strategies.

Building on this foundation, the workshop will address three interconnected themes. Climate Livability: From Projections to Decisions will focus on translating climate data into actionable insights to assess risks such as heat stress, flooding, and air quality, with an emphasis on practical decision-making for urban contexts. City-Scale Downscaling and AI/ML Applications will highlight advances in high-resolution downscaling and the integration of machine learning to enhance predictions, projections, and uncertainty quantification. Finally, Urban Planning for Climate Resilience will explore sustainable design strategies—including green infrastructure, walkability, and nature-based solutions—while evaluating adaptation and mitigation measures to safeguard Saudi cities from extreme heat, flooding, and related hazards. Together, these themes will guide discussions toward shaping resilient, livable, and future-ready cities in Saudi Arabia.

Key Themes

Screenshot 2025-09-30 at 9.59.12 AM

The workshop is expected to attract about 200 participants, including researchers, city planning officials and decision makers in Saudi Arabia. Their diverse backgrounds will undoubtedly make the event both enriching and impactful. The Urban Lab and the organizing committee warmly welcome all

About Urban Lab

The KAUST Urban Lab is a multidisciplinary research group dedicated to advancing sustainability, resilience, and livability in urban environments, particularly within arid and rapidly developing regions. Led by Professor Sami G. Al-Ghamdi, the Urban Lab integrates expertise in life cycle assessment, climate modeling, environmental analysis, and urban design to create data-driven solutions for cities and infrastructure systems. The lab’s work spans multiple scales, from building-level energy performance and material flows to city-wide microclimate modeling and scenario planning. Leveraging advanced tools like the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, remote sensing, and high-performance computing, the Urban Lab partners closely with government agencies, industry leaders, and international organizations to inform policy and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. With a strong emphasis on applied research, knowledge transfer, and capacity building, the Urban Lab serves as a bridge between cutting-edge science and practical decision-making, helping shape sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities for future generations. For more detailed information: https://urbanlab.kaust.edu.sa/

SamiAlghamdi

Sami G. Al-Ghamdi

(Prof & Director of KAUST Urban Lab)

About KAUST

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a globally renowned research university on the Red Sea, ranked among the top in advancing science and technology. Established in 2009, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities, a vibrant international community, and a strong focus on solving global challenges in energy, water, environment, and food security. KAUST attracts top talent worldwide, fostering innovation and groundbreaking discoveries in a dynamic and collaborative environment. The university's global influence is highlighted by its first-place ranking in "citations per faculty" according to the QS 2021 rankings, underscoring the impact of its research, which frequently appears in the top 25% of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals. Through a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, KAUST plays a vital role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, enabling knowledge-based economic growth and sustainable development. Its unique location, diverse community, and strong research culture make KAUST a global leader in addressing critical scientific and societal challenges.

About KSA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the largest country in the Middle East, holds about 17% of the world’s proven oil reserves and has long been a key player in stabilizing global energy markets. Strategically located on the Arabian Peninsula with coastlines along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia is now focused on an ambitious economic transformation under Vision 2030. This initiative aims to diversify the economy by expanding into sectors like petrochemicals, mining, logistics, and sustainable energy. Complementing these efforts is the Saudi Green Initiative, which focuses on environmental sustainability, including afforestation, carbon emissions reduction, and renewable energy projects, all geared toward ensuring long-term prosperity and strengthening its position among G20 economies.