The Role of Architecture in the Sustainable Development of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) growth has developed immensely throughout the past few years, and along with its growth several environmental issues have been faced. In response to the climate and environmental inflictions and in support of the United Nation sustainable goals for 2030, the United Arab Emirates has developed several means by which sustainable development can be achieved. The United Arab Emirates has created a widespread vision for future sustainability goals that govern the country’s role towards accomplishing successful path towards green economy. According to the Brundtland Report 1987, Sustainability developments are defined as those that “meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” Sustainable development regulatory bodies such as Estidama categorize sustainable development under 4 major categories; environmental, economic, social and cultural which are relevant in achieving a sustainable future. Through these initiatives, the UAE aims to meet the goal of achieving 50% target for clean energy by the year 2050. This research discusses the UAE initiatives, measures and goals in the field of sustainable development and their effect in the UAE and the Middle East. The research also analyzes different aspects by which sustainable architecture in the UAE aids in providing a sustainable future for the country on its path of development. Most important, the write-up aims to relate sustainable architecture and sustainability goals roles in the process of sustainable development. In a nutshell the write-up discusses the solutions, responsibilities, challenges and initiatives that helps in meeting sustainability goals and maintains a better future for the upcoming generations. Keywords—Sustainable development, Environment, Sustainability, sustainable architecture, clean energy, ecological footprint, Awareness, Carbon Emission, Vernacular, Traditional, Cooling loads, EUI, Passive, Active