AUTHOR=Alkaabi Khaula , Bouhaddioui Chafik , Senghore Salieu , Al Darmaki Saif Obaid 

TITLE=Exploring climate adaptation in UAE residential communities: temperature trends, awareness, and technology adoption

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Built Environment

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/built-environment/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1602348

DOI=10.3389/fbuil.2025.1602348

ISSN=2297-3362

ABSTRACT=IntroductionThis study investigates how rising temperature trends influence climate adaptation behaviors in residential communities across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It specifically examines the roles of community awareness, socio-economic status, and climate change perception in shaping household-level responses to heat stress and environmental variability.MethodsTemperature records from 1950 to 2100 were analyzed to capture long-term warming patterns and seasonal variability. A survey of 550 households was conducted to assess adaptation behaviors, with responses analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation, linear regression, ANOVA, logistic regression, and multinomial logistic regression.ResultsFindings show significant long-term warming trends in the UAE. Survey data indicate that perceived heat discomfort negatively correlates with thermal comfort and strongly motivates technology adoption (ρ = −0.29, p < 0.001). Community awareness significantly predicts sustainable indoor and outdoor practices (p < 0.001). Higher income and education levels are associated with broader adoption of adaptation measures (p < 0.01). Climate change perception directly influences adaptation behaviors (p = 0.032), while health-related motivations substantially increase the likelihood of adopting technologies (Odds Ratio = 2.87, p < 0.05). Logistic regression further reveals that heat perception and energy cost concerns drive solar panel adoption, whereas sand and dust prevention measures improve residential comfort (p < 0.05).DiscussionThe results highlight the importance of socio-economic and perceptual factors in shaping adaptation strategies. Effective policy approaches should emphasize community awareness, inclusive planning, and targeted financial incentives to strengthen resilience in hot-arid residential contexts.