ShajarAI
Project Overview
University
Year
About
Desert cities often have designated green spaces with little vegetation, and planners lack clear guidance on which trees to plant and where. ShajarAI combines satellite mapping, planting criteria and optimisation software to recommend desert-adapted tree species, locations and quantities. Applied to a neighbourhood in Sharjah, the tool identified opportunities to increase carbon capture through planting on existing land. It could help cities make better use of their green spaces while supporting wider climate goals.
Team
Israa Al Khaffaf
Israa Al Khaffaf holds a PhD in Engineering Systems Management from the American University of Sharjah and is an architect, urban planner, and researcher specializing in sustainability and engineering management. She has 15 years of industry experience working in the UAE government. Her research focuses on nature-based solutions and optimizing urban vegetation for carbon sequestration in desert cities. Her research has been published in a top 1% journal, and she is the recipient of the Sharjah Sustainability Award in 2026 for her innovative work advancing sustainable and climate-resilient urban development.