Glass facades, variable and Dubai's climate

Dubai's architectural landscape is defined by the extensive use of glass in its towering skyscrapers. The proliferation of glass facades has sparked growing concerns about energy efficiency in extreme climates, such as those in Dubai. Consequently, the selection of glass is paramount in regulating thermal performance, solar gain, and ensuring indoor comfort (Napoleon et al., 2020).
This paper examines the key variables that impact facade performance, including U-value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Shading Coefficient (SC), and Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) (ASHRAE, 2017). It outlines strategies for optimizing glass systems in Dubai’s climate and presents empirical data, industry standards, and advanced technologies such as multi-layer glazing, coatings, and specialized gas fills (Memari, 2013). The goal is to enhance design decision-making and meet sustainable building codes.