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This study is based on a local green school initiative that takes place at an international school in the city of Al Ain, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Despite the valuable advantages of the use of living wall systems (LWSs) pointed out by authors in previous research, there is little experience of using this technique, and the additional costs associated with a vegetated living wall installed on a building façade generally concern developers. To get a clear picture of the real financial incentives of using living wall strategies as a high-energy efficient skin, this study investigates a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of the installed LWS, taking into consideration the energy saving and environmental impact of the building skins. The actual installation and running costs of the LWSs are mainly compared with the reduction of cooling loads and increased value of the property, while the related environmental benefits are ignored at this stage.

The impact of urban development on the natural environment generates unique challenges to architects and engineers seeking passive design strategies in hot and humid climates such as those in Dubai. They are collaborating to design new buildings that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and architecturally significant. Passive cooling design techniques, which are recognized mainly in the old Dubai, are energy efficient and can be considered as a good alternative to mechanical cooling systems. Green roofs and façades are passive techniques and add more benefits not only for reducing the energy demand of buildings, but also for providing environmental benefits, including visual relief, accessible green space, and improving air quality. In recent years, greening systems have been practised in many hot cities, including greening directly on to roofs and walls, greening the cavity between walls, and incorporating greening systems within the construction of the wall. Green roofs are frequently used in cities like Dubai; however, practising green wall technology is still new despite its great benefits.Based on the climatic condition of Dubai, this paper attempts to reduce energy consumption in buildings by adopting passive cooling strategies in the sustainable urban context of Dubai. The growing interest in incorporating vegetated green walls into sustainable building is highlighted. To achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives have been covered: to investigate the use of passive cooling strategies in Dubai; to enhance the energy performance by reducing the cooling loads and therefore identifying the optimal parameters for building skins; and to draw guidelines for architects, planners and developers to demonstrate the potential benefits of green wall technology. In this context various issues, including the urban development of Dubai, sustainability, passive cooling techniques, and the performance of green walls, are to be considered.

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The first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Egypt was reported on 14 February, 2020. Menoufia Clinical Oncology Centre is at the forefront of delivering care to patients with cancer during this public health crisis in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. This article highlights the unique circumstances and challenges of cancer treatment during this global pandemic and the importance of organisational structure, preparation and a shared vision for continuing to provide cancer treatment to patients in the face of uncertainty and rapid change.