Taken in May of 2015 at Barjeel Guesthouse in Dubai

Windcatchers are common in the old part of Dubai. They’re towers that use breezes to pull away excess heat. One of the many strategies used to keep interior spaces cool, along with high-walled courtyards packed with shade vegetation (also seen herein.)

Surprisingly, we ended up turning the AC off for a significant part of the time because it was staying cool from the thick walls and shuttered windows that faced a courtyard. (Maybe the windcatcher, too. However, I’m not sure the one shown was useful, versus only being ornamental.)