Cities nowadays are facing several complex challenges due to the rapid increase in urbanization and shortage of green spaces proportion, resulting in negative impacts on all aspects (environmentally, socially, and economically). Green roofs are one of the sustainable tools for healthy cities. They represent an innovative approach to rebalancing the Urban Heat Island phenomena, which is considered a major problem causing high temperatures in cities. Green roofs play a significant role to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and decrease stormwater runoff. Despite green roofs’ benefits, they still have limited usage in Egypt. In a densely populated city like Cairo, the ratio of green areas per inhabitant is considered one of the lowest proportions in the world. Cairo has a huge number of unutilized rooftops, these spaces could be regarded as a solution to the city’s lack of green areas, Additionally, In the face of climate change and human urbanization, the need for more eco-friendly buildings is very essential nowadays. A broad overview of green roofs’ benefits and typologies is represented in the paper, analyzing various green roof applications. The main objective of the study is to investigate the impact of green roofs on buildings’ thermal performance in hot-arid climates, Moreover, discusses the challenges facing green roof usage in Egypt. Finally, the research proposes an action plan to increase the green areas in Cairo.