AURAK Launches Innovative Cooling Initiative For Outdoor Comfort During Summers

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has unveiled the RAK Center for Outdoor Comfort (RAKCOC), a pioneering initiative designed to enhance outdoor comfort in extreme weather conditions. This center represents a collaborative effort between AURAK Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, focusing on applied research and practical solutions for the Middle East's challenging climate.

RAKCOC's mission encompasses a broad spectrum of research areas, including outdoor cooling technologies, resilient urban planning, materials science tailored for extreme climates, and sustainable energy solutions. The center aims to increase outdoor thermal comfort with minimal resource expenditure, thereby encouraging more outdoor activity by alleviating thermal discomfort.

"The RAK Center for Outdoor Comfort was established to tackle the significant challenges posed by the hot desert climate in improving outdoor comfort," remarked Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK. He highlighted the center's commitment to pioneering fresh ideas and solutions to elevate outdoor comfort levels through innovative approaches and aiding policy makers with unique solutions.

With state-of-the-art labs and testing facilities, RAKCOC is managed by a team of experts in environmental science, engineering, and sustainable design. These professionals are dedicated to finding effective and new technologies to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, particularly during the summer months in the region.

Collaborative Efforts and Initiatives

Prof. Youssef Diab, Prefigurator of RAK Center for Outdoor Comfort at AURAK, emphasized the center's strategy of forming partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, and environmental organizations. These collaborations aim to address the unique challenges of improving outdoor comfort in the region through innovative solutions.

The center has embarked on several projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing outdoor living spaces. Notable partnerships include engagements with RAK Municipality, RAK Hospitality, RAK Academy, Marjan Island Development, RAK Real Estate, EMERGY, Mist America, Dewberry, ARUP, and ICARDA. Through these collaborations, RAKCOC has proposed solutions to improve comfort levels in schools and has developed comprehensive plans to enhance selected hotel and resort spaces for RAK Hospitality. Additionally, it is working with the RAK municipality to establish guidelines for outdoor comfort solutions in public spaces.

RAKCOC completed its first project in March 2024 and is set to begin data collection during the upcoming summer. The center's involvement with the RAK government team during COP 28 in Dubai underscores its commitment to contributing to global discussions and solutions for climate-related challenges.

The RAK Center for Outdoor Comfort stands as a testament to the proactive approach towards addressing the pressing issue of outdoor comfort in extreme weather conditions. Through its research, collaborations, and initiatives, RAKCOC is poised to make a significant impact on how outdoor spaces are designed and utilized, ensuring comfort and sustainability are at the forefront of development in the region.