The Challenge of Extreme Heat for Gulf Petrostates

The wealthy petrostates of the Persian Gulf have ambitious plans for the future, aiming to attract tourists and investors, host major sporting events, construct new cities, and diversify their economies beyond oil. However, they face a significant and unavoidable threat: the extreme and sometimes deadly heat that engulfs their countries every summer, a challenge that is expected to worsen due to climate change.

Impacts of Sweltering Temperatures

Severe heat leads to increased energy demand, deteriorates infrastructure, poses risks to laborers, and makes outdoor activities not only uncomfortable but also hazardous. These consequences will impose a substantial long-term toll on the grand aspirations of Gulf nations, according to experts.

“We are focused on expansion without considering the future implications of climate change,” noted Aisha Al-Sarihi, a research fellow from Oman at the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore. “Continued growth means higher requirements for energy, water, and electricity, particularly for cooling. However, there are limitations, and we are already experiencing them today.”

Recent Tragedy in Mecca

The severity of extreme heat was starkly evident this week when Saudi Arabia reported that over 1,300 individuals had died during the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, with at least 11 of them being Americans. Saudi officials disclosed that many of the deceased had embarked on the journey without proper permits that would have provided access to heat protections, leaving them vulnerable to temperatures exceeding 120 degrees.

The fatalities have raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s handling of the event, which attracted more than 1.8 million Muslims to the sacred city of Mecca.