Dubai Future Foundation And MIT Introduce AI-Driven Tree-Cooling Project For Sustainable Cities

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has teamed up with MIT Senseable City Lab to introduce Re-Leaf, a project that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate how trees cool urban areas. This initiative aims to foster the development of greener and healthier cities. The project was highlighted at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2025, showcasing Dubai's dedication to sustainable urban living solutions.

Re-Leaf is part of Senseable City Dubai (SCD), the first MIT Senseable City Lab in the Middle East, established with DFF. It uses advanced AI and computer vision to analyse satellite images, street views, and thermal data from over 2,000 trees. This creates a unique dataset comparing urban greenery in Amsterdam, Dubai, Los Angeles, and Rome.

The research reveals that trees can be up to 15°C cooler than their surroundings. Native species like Neem outperform more common but less effective species such as palms. This finding is crucial for arid regions like the UAE, where water scarcity necessitates efficient climate solutions.

Khalifa Al Qama, Director of Dubai Future Labs, stated: "Dubai has shown that advanced technologies and strategic partnerships can generate insights that matter well beyond our borders. With Re-Leaf, we are treating greenery as essential infrastructure for the cities of tomorrow."

Carlo Ratti, Director of MIT Senseable City Lab, emphasised the importance of trees in urban planning: "In a hotter world, trees must be seen as essential infrastructure, not just decoration. With AI, we can finally measure and optimise their cooling impact with precision." He noted that sometimes nature offers the best climate solutions without burdening energy resources.

The Venice Biennale featured an immersive Re-Leaf installation with skyscraper-like structures representing greenery levels in participating cities. Taller structures indicated greener cities, visually highlighting urban forestry's role in combating global warming.

Commitment to Innovation

This project aligns with DFF’s broader goal of establishing Dubai as a global innovation hub through strategic partnerships addressing critical human challenges. By showcasing Re-Leaf in Venice, Dubai demonstrates its ambition to contribute solutions supporting urban resilience worldwide.

The initiative underscores how strategic use of technology can enhance city planning by integrating natural elements effectively. As cities face rising temperatures globally, projects like Re-Leaf highlight the potential for innovative approaches to create sustainable urban environments.

With inputs from WAM