Coastal regions confront rising sea levels and rapid urbanisation, prompting the quest for sustainable solutions. This study investigates traditional oasis systems as models for self-sustaining urban environments, especially in hot, arid climates. Analysing their principles yields key strategies applicable to sustainable floating architecture and cities. These strategies encompass water management, passive cooling, material use, sustainable agriculture, and ecological integration. Repurposing urban elements into self-sustaining systems enhances connectivity with natural resources, revitalising resource utilisation. A multi-dimensional approach integrates urban structures as active contributors to resource production, meeting escalating demands on limited resources. Utilising locally sourced abiotic resources promotes environmental sustainability while fostering local employment. Incorporating biotic matter and leveraging biomass for nutrients, fuel, and construction strengthen sustainability efforts. Strategic water resource management ensures dependable water distribution, including solar thermal desalination and efficient land use policies. Harnessing wind for passive cooling and other energy conversion contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability. Solar energy technologies offer diverse opportunities for energy generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, the modular, organic growth patterns of oasis landscapes might inspire a flexible, adaptable approach to floating city design. This will allow for scalable, resilient development that minimises environmental impact and promotes socio-cultural integration, aligning with the ecological principles embodied in traditional oasis systems. By drawing on these holistic, sustainable strategies, floating architecture and cities can be designed to thrive in hot, arid regions, offering a viable solution to the challenges posed by rising sea levels and coastal urbanisation. Traditional oasis systems’ lessons are explored to provide a solid foundation for creating self-sufficient, climate-resilient floating communities.