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The State of Climate in the Arab Region 2024 report finds that 2024 was the hottest year on record for the region, where temperatures are rising at twice the global rate, intensifying heatwaves, droughts, and water scarcity. Extreme weather events including floods, storms, and severe heat, affected 3.77 million people and caused over 300 deaths, with North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula particularly impacted.
Rainfall patterns became more erratic, with severe deficits in North Africa and excess precipitation and flooding across parts of the Arabian Peninsula and Sudan. Sea levels around the region continued to rise faster than the global average, threatening coastal zones.
The report highlights escalating socioeconomic impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, health, and livelihoods, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation, early warning systems, and investment in climate adaptation, especially water security, as many Arab states rank among the world’s most water-scarce countries.
