Disasters and Crises in the Gulf: Causes and Solutions

Abstract

This study explores the reality of disasters and crises in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, focusing on their root causes and resulting challenges, while reviewing the efforts made to manage and mitigate their impacts. The paper examines various types of natural disasters (such as cyclones, floods, and sandstorms) and industrial ones (such as oil spills, explosions, and environmental accidents), along with health, social, and economic crises that have affected the region. The study highlights contributing factors that exacerbate these crises, including climate change, unplanned urban growth, excessive dependence on the oil sector, and limited institutional and societal awareness of disaster risks. It also discusses the accompanying environmental, economic, and social repercussions, and evaluates response policies and procedures at national, regional, and international levels. The study offers a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing risk-resilient infrastructure, activating early warning systems, encouraging economic diversification, improving environmental legislation, and building institutional capacities. It concludes that establishing an integrated disaster management system requires the adoption of proactive, knowledge-based policies, good governance, and regional and international cooperation to ensure security, stability, and sustainable development in the Gulf region.