'Extreme Gulf weather demands major infrastructure investment'

The Facts -

Gulf Countries to Invest Billions in Flood-Proofing Infrastructure

Gulf countries will have to invest billions in flood-proofing their infrastructure due to the increasing occurrences of extreme weather, according to a report by Oxford Analytica.

The company warned that the region is yet to fully adapt to climate change challenges and faces high costs, with each flooding event costing up to $4.7 billion.

Following severe flooding in Dubai last month, the report calls for greater investments to improve drainage, upgrade health facilities, and expand early warning systems.

The study encourages Gulf nations to revamp existing infrastructure and utilize nature-based solutions to mitigate adverse weather impacts, such as the construction of canals to contain flooding.

The report further notes that the Gulf is significantly affected by climate change, with temperatures increasing more rapidly than the global average.

Increasing Flood Threats

The 'new normal' of increased droughts and floods is already being experienced in the Gulf states, as climate change puts the region at greater risk of extreme weather.

Scientists, including Dr. Diana Francis from Khalifa University, agree that extreme rainfall events will become more frequent and intense. The combination of high temperatures and humidity forms powerful convective clouds, which contribute to this trend.

In a recent study in Nature Scientific Reports, Dr. Francis and her colleague pointed out that the UAE and Oman's climate will change from subtropical to tropical, known for extreme rainfall events.

As previously reported, the storms that hit the UAE and Oman in April were intensified by 40% due to climate change.

The Oxford Analytica report highlights that recurrent floods will significantly disrupt public infrastructure, including transport, emergency, health, and education services.

It suggests billions of dollars in investments are needed to transform infrastructure by constructing stormwater tunnels, canals, and ensuring sufficient drainage systems, especially in new land developments near desert areas.

Adopting a Climate Action Plan

Dr. Hassan Aftab Sheikh from the University of Oxford, suggests adopting measures similar to those in New York to mitigate severe rainfall impacts. Implementing nature-based solutions like green infrastructure and incorporating canals into new developments could help absorb floodwater.

Dr. Sheikh suggests the Middle East could emulate Rotterdam's small reservoirs to store excess rainwater as a cost-effective resilience strategy. With climate change intensifying weather events, even enhanced drainage systems may struggle to cope with heavy rainfalls.

He further encourages authorities to develop new early warning systems to alert residents of flood risks in advance, to take necessary precautions and mitigate human risk.

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