The aim of the study is, therefore, to analyze the formation of the UHIs in eight different cities in arid and semi-arid regions. The analysis is based on land cover (LC) classification (urban, green, and bare areas). The study found that bare areas had the highest mean LST values compared to the urban and green areas. The results show that the difference in temperatures between the bare areas and the urban areas ranges between 1 and 2 °C, between the bare areas and green areas ranges between 1 and 7 °C, and between the urban areas and green areas ranges between 1 and 5 °C. Furthermore, the LST values varied for each of the LULC categories, and hence some areas in the three categories had lower or higher LST values than in other categories. Hence, one category may not always have the highest LST value compared to other categories. The outcomes of this study may, therefore, have critical implications for urban planners who seek to mitigate UHI effects in arid and semi-arid urban areas.

This scoping review discusses artificial intelligence's (AI) transformative role in strategic enhancement planning and academic excellence at Qatar University (QU). In response to the unprecedented rise in the integration of AI into higher education institutions worldwide, this study aims to understand its influence on institutional strategies and the development of student competencies. A literature search using Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and IEEE Xplore. In this respect, 156 relevant studies were identified. Data extraction and charting for Covidence provided insights into the effects of AI on teaching, administrative efficiency and student learning experiences. The review emphasises how AI could enhance administrative efficiency and provide personalised learning. Still, it also points to challenges that must be faced: data privacy and reduced human interaction. The findings suggest that AI offers significant advantages in higher education but needs prudent implementation to meet the risks associated with adopting emerging technology. This would address the need for its effective complementarity to traditional educational methods.

The propagation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic had resulted in a significant slowdown of economic activities worldwide. Teleworking practices and policies could play a significant and essential role of any business continuity plan in time of risk that prohibits employees from performing their working tasks at their regular workplace or offices. Hence, telework gives those employees the opportunity to perform their work tasks remotely and keep the organization operational. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on promoting telework practices. This study discusses the transition to telework during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the continuity of teleworking practices after the pandemic. Furthermore, the study discusses what elements and interventions that are necessary to maximize the potential gains for more widespread telework for employers and employees. Adopting telework in this circumstance can reduce the negative impact of the pandemic and be a mitigating measure for the economy and inequality. This research is important because it analyses the benefits of implementing telework practices in a time of risk.

The significant predicament of sustainable urbanism in contemporary cities of the Gulf region is being addressed by developing policies designed to make cities safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. By examining the accessible planning documents, and based on the analysis of the ongoing world-class developments and megaprojects within the Gulf cities, particularly in Doha and Dubai, we argue that there is an inconsistency between the master-planning phase, usually conducted by western consultants, and the economic, political, socio-cultural, and environmental dynamics of the Gulf. Our analysis revealed insensitivity to the local, economic and socio-cultural patterns of the Arab Gulf countries and a governmental lack of capacity of national planners that may erode the opportunities to implement sustainable urbanism. It is suggested that, although globalization and modernization may have brought some benefits to the Gulf cities such as improvement in living standards and changes in society and lifestyles, yet an innovative master planning that merges land use and strategic planning based on building national capacities, and a holistic understanding of the social, cultural and oil-dominated economies and community engagement, is essential to deliver sustainable urbanism in the region. Recommendations for moving towards more capable, participatory and sustainable planning system are suggested in the paper.

This article analyses water, food, and energy security in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries using the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus approach. The innovative focus is on identifying past and future development-based drivers of water-energy-food integration in the region. The study presents a critical review of WEF nexus in the Gulf region and identifies links to sustainable development in this area. It concludes that integrating water, energy, and food resources within the nexus is crucial for GCC nations to accomplish resource security and sustainable development.