Hazards and Extreme Climate Events in the Arabian Peninsula: Patterns, Drivers and Resilience Pathways

The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events pose significant challenges to societies, economies and ecosystems worldwide. The Arabian Peninsula, characterized by a hyper-arid climate, is increasingly recognized as one of the regions most affected by climate change, experiencing rising temperatures, erratic precipitation patterns and increasing occurrences of extreme events such as heatwaves, flooding, sandstorms and sea level rise. This chapter examines the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events, highlighting how anthropogenic activities have contributed to the intensification of these hazards. Based on recent studies and climate projections, the chapter discusses how temperature extremes, changing precipitation regimes and rising sea levels threaten human health, infrastructure and biodiversity. The findings underscore that climate change has already exacerbated extreme events, with models projecting further intensification in the coming decades. The Arabian Peninsula is particularly vulnerable, with rising wet-bulb temperatures increasing risks of heat stress, flash floods becoming more frequent due to changing precipitation trends and coastal cities facing inundation from rising sea levels. Moreover, land degradation and desertification are accelerating, increasing the occurrence of sand and dust storms that affect air quality and public health. To mitigate these risks, adaptation measures such as improved early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, sustainable land management and policy-driven interventions are imperative. By integrating climate science, urban planning and ecosystem-based strategies, the region can enhance its resilience against extreme weather events. This chapter provides critical insights into the evolving climate risks facing the Arabian Peninsula and outlines potential pathways for adaptation and mitigation strategies.