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
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/
