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New data on the Chrysididae fauna from Yemen are presented. Based on recently collected material, eleven species are recorded for the first time in the country: Elampus afer (Mocsáry, 1889); Hedychridium scutellare (Tournier, 1878); Hedychrum coelestinum Spinola, 1838; Holophris coriacea (Dahlbom, 1850); Holopyga subglabrata Linsenmaier, 1994; H. vicissituda Linsenmaier, 1994; H. parvicavitale Linsenmaier, 1994; Chrysidea pumila (Klug, 1845); Chrysis elegantula Spinola, 1838; C. nilensis Linsenmaier, 1959; Chrysis robertsi Rosa, 2020. Notably, Elampus afer, Hedychrum coelestinum and Holophris coriacea, previously considered African species, are now documented in the Arabian Peninsula for the first time. Additionally, five species new to science are described: Hedychridium eudaimon sp. nov. (from Yemen and Saudi Arabia); Hedychrum harteni sp. nov.; Chrysis bilqis sp. nov. (leachii group); Chrysis felix sp. nov., and Chrysis yemenita sp. nov. (succincta group). Furthermore, the male of Trichrysis longispina (Mocsáry, 1912) is illustrated for the first time.

Abstract The Paris Agreement and the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted the potential risks of climate change across different global warming levels (GWLs). The increasing occurrence of extreme high-temperature events is linked to a warmer climate that is particularly prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula (AP). This study investigates future changes in temperatures and related extremes over AP, under four GWLs, such as 1.5 °C, 2.0 °C, 3.0 °C, and 4.0 °C, with three different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5). The study uses high-resolution datasets of 27 models from the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (NEX-GDDP-CMIP6). The results showed that the NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 individual models and their multi-model means reasonably captured the extreme temperature events. The summer maximum and winter minimum temperatures are projected to increase by 0.11–0.67 °C and 0.09–0.70 °C per decade under the selected SSPs. Likewise, the projected temperature extremes exhibit significant warming with varying degrees across the GWLs under the selected SSPs. The warm temperature extremes are projected to increase, while the cold extremes are projected to decrease under all GWLs and the selected SSPs. Overall, the findings provide a comprehensive assessment of temperature changes over AP in response to global warming, which can be helpful in the development of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The mutation HBA2:c.*94A>G (AATAAA>AATAAG; rs63751269) is a 3′-UTR (3 prime untranslated region) single-nucleotide substitution in the polyadenylation (PA) signal of HBA2 (αPA:A→G). This pathogenic (CADD score, 14.92) variant is sporadic in the Arabian Peninsula. It results in inefficient mRNA processing, transcription termination, and possibly using an alternate cryptic downstream polyadenylation signal. As a result, the allele αT (or αT-Saudi) poses challenges in premarital counseling with respect to fetal risk of hemoglobin H disease. Homozygous HBA2:c.*94A>G (αTα/αTα) results in moderate-to-severe microcytosis (mean red cell volume, MCV, 55 to 65 fL), reflecting markedly impaired hemoglobin synthesis (hemoglobin H disease). Homozygous rightward −α3.7 (a 3804-neocleotide deletion allele, NM_000517.4:c.[-2_-3delAC; −α3.7]), on the other hand, results in mild microcytosis (MCV, 70 to 75 fL, alpha-thalassemia trait). Thus, HBA2:c.*94A>G is more damaging than −α3.7. Consistently, the value of MCV in compound heterozygosity, HBA2:c.*94A>G and −α3.7, is 65 to 70 fL. We report here a healthy couple who presented for premarital counseling on their hemoglobinopathy. The man has homozygous HBA2:c.*94A>G (αTα/αTα), and the woman has compound heterozygous (−α3.7/αTα, also annotated as: −3.7α/αTα). As a result, the genotype of their offspring would be that of the father (αTα/αTα) or the mother (−α3.7/αTα). The counseling was mainly based on the benign phenotypes of the parents. As both were asymptomatic and their anemia was clinically insignificant, they proceeded with the marriage.

The Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr is categorized as Critically Endangered, with < 200 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Historically the species ranged over an extensive area of western Saudi Arabia but, with no confirmed sightings since 2014, investigating potential continued presence and distribution is of critical conservation importance. We present the results of a comprehensive survey designed to detect any remaining Arabian leopard populations in Saudi Arabia. We conducted 14 surveys, deploying 586 camera-trap stations at 13 sites, totalling 82,075 trap-nights. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with 843 members of local communities across the Arabian leopard's historical range to assess the presence of leopards, other predators and prey species. Predator scats were collected ad hoc by field teams and we used mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify the originating species. We obtained 62,948 independent photographs of animals and people, but none were of Arabian leopards. Other carnivores appeared widespread and domestic animals were numerous, but wild prey were comparatively scarce. Three questionnaire respondents reported sightings of leopards within the previous year, but targeted camera-trap surveys in these areas did not yield evidence of leopards. Of the 143 scats sent for analysis, no DNA was conclusively identified as that of the leopard. From this extensive study, we conclude there are probably no surviving, sustainable populations of Arabian leopards in Saudi Arabia. Individual leopards might be present but were not confirmed. Any future Arabian leopard conservation in Saudi Arabia will probably require reintroduction of captive-bred leopards.

During the floristic surveys in 2020–2023 in the United Arab Emirates, we recorded Maerua crassifolia Forssk., which is new to the flora of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This species has a distribution across Africa, through the Arabian Peninsula, to Iran and Pakistan. We discuss the geographic range of this species, its presence in the Arabian Peninsula, and its conservation status. Our new record expands the geographic distribution of the species and highlights the importance of expanding botanical surveys to increase the knowledge on the floral diversity of the emirate.

Abstract Freshwater fishes are facing considerable threats in the Arabian Peninsula which is considered as a highly stressed region in the Middle East. It is predicted that northern Oman is likely to face decreasing rainfall and increasing temperature in coming decades. In this study, we focused on an endemic cyprinid fish Cyprinion muscatense, as a model to investigate impacts of climate change on the mountain fishes inhibiting in this arid region. This species is expected to be strongly affected by climate change because of its limited distribution range in a montane area surrounded by lowlands and sea, limiting the species in shift to other areas. We used an ensemble approach by considering two regressions‐based species distribution modeling (SDM) algorithms: generalized linear models (GLM), and generalized additive models (GAM) to model the species habitat suitability and predict the impacts of climate change on the species habitat suitability. Based on the distribution models, the montane area located in northeastern Oman was identified as the most suitable habitat for this species. Our results indicate that, even under the minimum greenhouse gas emissions scenario (RCP 2.6), climate change will produce a high reduction in its potential future habitats. According to the results of percent contribution, elevation and annual minimum temperature were the most important variables in predicting the species suitable habitats. Results also showed that only a small percentage of suitable habitats for the species within boundaries of protected areas. Therefore, the impact of climate change on the species appears particularly alarming. Although our study was restricted to a single cyprinid freshwater species, decreases in potential habitats are likely predicted for other cyprinid fish species restricted to the mountains of this region, suggesting severe consideration is needed for aquatic systems in future conservation planning, especially for endemic freshwater fishes.

MIS 3 environmental conditions in Africa north of the Equator and the Arabian Peninsula have long been controversial due to data scarcity and methodological caveats. In this paper we compare 245 continental hydrological records and 11 long and continuous continental and marine cores with results from the IPSL general circulation model to discuss hydrological changes between 59 and 29 ka in North Tropical Africa, North (Mediterranean) Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Despite a generally glacial context, wet conditions widely expanded giving place to numerous lakes, rivers and wetlands. The major result of our study is to show that humid conditions appeared much earlier and were more prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula than in Africa, due to the conjunction of monsoon rains in summer and Mediterranean rains in winter. The mechanisms driving MIS 3 humidity in our study area involve global cooling factors such as greenhouse concentrations and ice volume, which have impacted available moisture, orbital forcing, which impacts monsoon circulation and amplitude and sensitivity to the state of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

This study investigates the dust aerosol optical depth (DAOD) variability over the Arabian Peninsula (AP) in the spring season, a region profoundly affected by dust activity due to its desert terrain. Employing the MERRA-2 DAOD reanalysis dataset for the period 1981–2022, a significant trend in DAOD is noted in the spring season compared to the other seasons. The leading Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) explains 67% of the total DAOD variance during the spring season, particularly over the central and northeastern parts of AP. The analysis reveals the strengthening of upper-level divergence over the western Pacific, favoring mid-tropospheric positive geopotential height anomalies over the AP, leading to warm and drier surface conditions and increased DAOD. A statistically significant negative relationship (correlation = −0.32, at 95% confidence level) is noted between DAOD over AP and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), suggesting that La Niña conditions may favor higher dust concentrations over the AP region and vice versa during El Niño phase. The high (low) DAOD over the region corresponds to mid-tropospheric positive (negative) geopotential height anomalies through strengthening (weakening) of the upper-level divergence (convergence) over the western Pacific during the La Niña (El Niño) phase. This study shows that ENSO could be a possible precursor to predicting dust variability on a seasonal time scale.

IntroductionDesert ecosystems harbor a unique microbial diversity that is crucial for ecological stability and biogeochemical cycles. An in-depth understanding of the biodiversity, compositions, and functions of these microbial communities is imperative to navigate global changes and confront potential threats and opportunities applicable to agricultural ecosystems amid climate change. MethodsThis study explores microbial communities in the rhizosphere and endosphere of desert plants native to the Arabian Peninsula using next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 hypervariable region). ResultsOur results reveal that each microbial community has a diverse and unique microbial composition. Based on alpha and beta diversity indices, the rhizosphere microbiome is significantly diverse and richer in microbial taxa compared to the endosphere. The data reveals a shift towards fast-growing microbes with active metabolism, involvement in nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, and defense pathways. Our data reveals the presence of habitat-specific microbial communities in the desert, highlighting their remarkable resilience and adaptability to extreme environmental conditions. Notably, we observed the existence of radiation-resistant microbes such as Deinococcus radiotolerans, Kocuria sp., and Rubrobacter radiotolerans which can tolerate high levels of ionizing radiation. Additionally, examples of microbes exhibiting tolerance to challenging conditions include Nocardioides halotolerans, thriving in high-salinity environments, and hyperthermophilic microbes such as Quasibacillus thermotolerans. Moreover, functional analysis reveals enrichment in chaperon biosynthesis pathways associated with correct protein folding under heat stress conditions.DiscussionOur research sheds light on the unique diversity of desert microbes and underscores their potential applications to increase the resilience of agriculture ecosystems, offering a promising strategy to fortify crops against the challenges posed by climate change, ultimately supporting sustainable food production for our ever-expanding global population.

Abstract The Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) mosquito is the main vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika and is well established today all over the world. The species comprises two forms: the ancestral form found throughout Africa and a global domestic form that spread to the rest of the tropics and subtropics. In Saudi Arabia, A. aegypti has been known in the southwest since 1956, and previous genetic studies clustered A. aegypti from Saudi Arabia with the global domestic form. The purpose of this study was to assess the genetic structure of A. aegypti in Saudi Arabia and determine their geographic origin. Genetic data for 17 microsatellites were collected for A. aegypti ranging from the southwestern highlands of Saudi Arabia on the border of Yemen to the north‐west in Madinah region as well as from Thailand and Uganda populations (as representatives of the ancestral African and global domestic forms, respectively). The low but significant level of genetic structuring in Saudi Arabia was consistent with long‐distance dispersal capability possibly through road connectivity and human activities, that is, passive dispersal. There are two main genetic groupings in Saudi Arabia, one of which clusters with the Ugandan population and the other with the Thailand population with many Saudi Arabian individuals having mixed ancestry. The hypothesis of genetic admixture of the ancestral African and global domestic forms in Saudi Arabia was supported by approximate Bayesian computational analyses. The extent of admixture varied across Saudi Arabia. African ancestry was highest in the highland area of the Jazan region followed by the lowland Jazan and Sahil regions. Conversely, the western (Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah) and Najran populations corresponded to the global domesticated form. Given potential differences between the forms in transmission capability, ecology and behaviour, the findings here should be taken into account in vector control efforts in Saudi Arabia.

Scopaeus socotrensis sp. n. is described from Socotra Island, Yemen, and compared to S. asirensis Frisch, 2007, S. pakistanensis Frisch, 2007, and S. stramineus Frisch, 2007. These species constitute the S. asirensis lineage of the S. gracilis species group in the Middle East judging from their male genital characters, which are illustrated, and their distribution pattern, which is mapped. Additional diagnostic characters are presented for S. asirensis, S. pakistanensis, and S. stramineus. New Country records are published for S. asirensis (Yemen) and S. stramineus (Oman). A recent first record of S. asirensis from Socotra is based on S. socotrensis sp. n. and thus rejected. The phylogeography of the S. asirensis lineage is discussed.

Water scarcity is well pronounced in arid and semiarid regions where potential evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation. Saudi Arabia is one of the most water-scarce regions where there are 2 billion m3 of annual renewable freshwater resources, besides 24 billion m3 of freshwater withdrawal, especially from the aquifers with fossil water. In Saudi Arabia, floods often occur and the harvest of flood water for groundwater recharge became an issue of discussion; however, this requires determining groundwater recharge potential (GWRP) zones where water naturally percolates and feeds the depleted aquifers. This study aims to produce a detailed (digital) map for GWRP zones for the Riyadh Region by using a multicriteria approach where datasets were derived from satellite images (Landsat 7 ETM+, Spot-5, and Aster) associated with thematic maps and field surveys. The geo-information system (GIS) was also used to manipulate and integrate the geospatial data layers which represent the controlling factors on GWRP. Results show five classes of GWRP zones, where about 36,448 km2 (89.2% of the Riyadh Region) belong to high and very high GWRP. The resulting map will be key information for decision-makers to select suitable localities for groundwater artificial recharge techniques as an adaptive measure for the changing climate. HIGHLIGHTS For groundwater artificial recharge, GWRP zones are the primary factors to be mapped.; Satellite images and the GIS proved to be reliable tools for the assessment of GWRP zones.; Multicriteria data analysis is required to integrate the controlling factors in GWR.; Rocks’ lithology is the most influencing factor on GWR.; More than 75% of the Riyadh Region is characterized by low-to-very low GWR.;

Cactiform succulents, belonging to the Euphorbia genus, are distinctive species found in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of Macaronesia and the Arabian Peninsula. Resembling cacti in appearance, they exhibit unique morphological characteristics, such as succulent, green-stemmed structures with ribs, accompanied by a pair of stipular spines. These plants have evolved to thrive in well-draining substrates, including both surface and rocky soils, potentially as an adaptive strategy to combat edaphic drought conditions. Although initially associated solely with arid and desert environments, it is important to note that these cactiform succulents are not exclusively specialized for prolonged dry periods. Rather, they demonstrate morphological adaptations that help them endure arid conditions. The primary objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date synthesis of knowledge concerning cactiform succulents within the Euphorbia genus. It aims to underscore their capacity to flourish in both arid and semi-arid zones, while underscoring the pressing conservation challenges that threaten these plants with degradation and potential extinction. The prevailing climatic conditions, marked by extended and recurrent droughts exacerbated by escalating temperatures, climate fluctuations, and escalating human impact, collectively pose a formidable obstacle to conserving these cactiform succulents and their respective ecosystems. All these threats jeopardize these invaluable natural resources, which hold multifaceted significance spanning environmental, socio-economic, and medicinal domains.

The Arabian Peninsula, with its rugged mountains, wadis, alluvial plains, sand dune deserts, and diverse coastlines, spans over 3 million km2. The Peninsula is situated at the crossroads of Africa and Asia and is a meeting point for diverse biogeographic realms, including the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Indomalayan regions. This convergence of biogeographic zones has resulted in a remarkably diverse flora and fauna, which is adapted to the harsh and varied climates found throughout the Peninsula. Each of the countries of the Arabian Peninsula are biologically diverse and unique in their own right, but Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are the most diverse in terms of their landforms and biological diversity. The mountainous regions support a cooler and more moderate climate compared to the surrounding lowlands, thus forming unique ecosystems that function as refugia for plant and animal species, and have a high endemism of plant species. The desert ecosystems support a variety of lifeforms that are specially adapted to an extreme arid climate. Due to its long history of human habitation and subsistence agriculture, particularly in the mountainous areas, the Arabian Peninsula possesses unique crop varieties adapted to extreme arid climates, making them important genetic resources for the future in the face of climate change. The Arabian Peninsula, though rich and diverse in its biological diversity, has been greatly affected by human activities, especially in the last 50 years, including urbanization, habitat destruction, overgrazing, and climate change, which pose significant threats to the biodiversity of the region. This review presents the biogeography and background of conservation efforts made in the countries in the Arabian Peninsula and gives the progress made in botanical research and conservation practices throughout the Peninsula.

This study addresses the imperative to comprehend gravity shifts resulting from groundwater storage (GWS) variations in the Arabian Peninsula. Despite the critical importance of water resource sustainability and its relationship with gravity, limited research emphasizes the need for expanded exploration. The investigation explores the impact of GWS extraction on the gravity field, utilizing Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) data in addition to validation using the WaterGAP Global Hydrology Model (WGHM). Spanning April 2002 to June 2023, this study predicts GWS trends over the next decade using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model. The comprehensive time-series analysis reveals a significant GRACE-derived groundwater storage (GWS) trend of approximately −4.90 ± 0.32 mm/year during the study period. This trend has a notable impact on the gravity anomaly (GA) values, as observed through the decomposition analysis. The projected GWS indicates a depletion rate of 14.51 km3/year over the next decade. The correlation between GWS and GA is substantial at 0.80, while the GA and rainfall correlation is negligible due to low precipitation rates. Employing multiple linear regression explains 80.61% of the variance in gravity anomaly due to GWS, precipitation, and evapotranspiration. This study investigates climate change factors—precipitation, temperature, and evapotranspiration—providing a holistic understanding of the forces shaping GWS variations. Precipitation and evapotranspiration exhibit nearly equal values, limiting GWS replenishment opportunities. This research holds significance in studying extensive GWS withdrawal in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly concerning crust mass stability.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of snake bites in the Arabian Peninsula. METHODS A scoping review was conducted from October to December 2022, and included sources from PubMed, Ovid, the Cochrane Database, reference lists of relevant articles, and grey literature sources such as ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The keywords used were “Arabian Peninsula”, “Saudi Arabia”, “Qatar”, “Kuwait”, “Oman”, “United Arab Emirates”, “Bahrain”, “Yemen”, “snake venom”, “snake bite”, and “envenomation”. The inclusion criteria for selecting studies were those that explored snake bites in various regions of the Arabian Peninsula. RESULTS 28 studies were included, with a total of 16,602 snake bite cases. In 78.57% of cases, the initial presentation was a local injury. Haematological manifestations were seen in several of the reported cases, while some cases showed neurological symptoms and cardiac manifestation. Leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia/thrombocytosis, and acute kidney injury and proteinuria were also observed. The administered dose of antivenom varied, and post-antivenom complications were seen in less than one third of the reported cases. CONCLUSION The current body of literature does not provide a concise management plan for snake bite in the Arabian Peninsula. We provide a proposed plan for treating and monitoring such cases.

The planthopper family Caliscelidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha) and the tribe Adenissini are recorded here for the first time from the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen). A new genus, Oceatra gen. nov., is described for two new species from Socotra Island – Oceatra litoralis gen. et sp. nov. (type species) from coastal sand dunes and salt marshes, and O. scandens gen. et sp. nov. from evergreen montane woodland and shrub communities of the Hagher mountains. Oceatra gen. nov. is similar to Perissana Metcalf, 1952 but differs in the structure of the male style and phallobase. A key to distinguish the genera of the subtribe Adenissina is provided.

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from animals to humans, with felids acting as its definitive host. Thus, understanding the epidemiology of this parasite in animal populations is vital to controlling its transmission to humans as well as to other animal groups. Objectives This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to summarise and analyse reports of T. gondii infection in animal species residing in the Arabian Peninsula. Methods : It was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA), with relevant studies being retrieved from MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. All articles published in Arabic or English languages between January 2000 and December 2020 were screened for eligibility. Random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of T. gondii infection in different animal populations which were found to harbour this infection. The critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies designed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess the risk of bias in all included studies. Results A total of 15 studies were retrieved, reporting prevalence estimates from 4 countries in this region and in 13 animal species. Quantitative meta‐analysis estimated a pooled prevalence of 43% in felids [95% confidence interval (CI) = 23–64%, I2 index = 100%], 48% in sheep (95% CI = 27–70%, I2 = 99%) and 21% in camels (95% CI = 7–35%, I2 = 99%). Evidence of possible publication bias was found in both felids and sheep. Conclusions This meta‐analysis estimates a high prevalence of T. gondii infection in animal species which are of high economic and cultural importance to countries of this region. Hence, these findings provide valuable insight to public health authorities as well as economic and animal resources advisors in countries of the Arabian Peninsula.

The article presents new records for five alien species previously unknown from the flora of United Arab Emirates (UAE): Euphorbia cyathophora Murr. (Euphorbiaceae), Samolus valerandi L. (Myrsinaceae), Oldenlandia umbellata L. (Rubiaceae), Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (Sapindaceae), and Corchorus aestuans L. (Malvaceae s. l. / Tiliaceae). All of them have been recorded for the first time from the emirate of Fujairah in eastern part of the UAE. Euphorbia cyathophora, which is rare in the country, was found only in “Green Oasis Nursery” at Al Dibba town, Oldenlandia umbellata– found at the beginning of the seefront at Fujairah City, and they are new for the flora of the Arabian Peninsula. Samolus valerandi was found only in the “Desert Nurseries Group store 1 (palms)” at village Al Bidiya, Corchorus aestuans – in private nursery at Al Dibba town, and Cardiospermum halicacabum was found in the Masafi friday market, they are new for the flora of Fujairah and UAE. Accepted names, synonyms, spatial distribution, habitat preferences, and species taxonomy with remarks on identification and differentiation from the most similar taxa occurring in the study area, as well as the list of localities are presented. The herbarium materials were transferred to the Herbarium of the Komarov Botanical Institute (LE, Saint-Petersburg, Russia), the duplicates – to the Herbarium of Altai State University (ALTB, Barnaul, Russia) and the Scientific Herbarium of Fujairah (FSH, Wadi Wuraya national park, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates).

The present review discusses the transmission risk factors of camel (Camelus dromedarius) brucellosis in the limits of domestic and wild interfaces and zoonotic threats. The median position of the dromedary’s life between wild and the domestic areas seems to increase the risks of brucellosis transmission, compared to other receptive domestic ruminants. In arid environments, canids, lagomorphs, rodents, and wild boars are potential reservoirs of Brucella spp. Dromedary camels raised according to a periurban breeding system are often in direct or indirect contact with wild animals, domestic animals, and humans. Constraints of brucellosis detection and control in wild animals, especially in developing countries, hamper preventing disease in camelids and related occupational categories. A total eradication of animal and human brucellosis, in developing countries, is faced by the difficulty of applying quarantine periods for suspected animals, the lack of reliable diagnostic tools, and the impossibility of controlling animals at the common grazing lands, livestock markets, and transboundary areas. In developing countries, the informal she-camel milk collection, the periurban camel breeding, and the shortage in the technological processing and the pasteurization of she-camel milk play a key role in brucellosis zoonotic transmission.Veterinarians should have more initiative in brucellosis control in both domestic and wildlife animals.

Qatar, a peninsular country in the Persian Gulf, is significant to avian species due to its location along the African–Eurasian Flyway, a key migratory path. Receiving untreated domestic and industrial liquid waste from Qatar in the past, Al Karaana Lagoons have since been reconstructed as an artificial wetland to address the growing environmental concern posed by contamination build-up. This study documents the changes in biodiversity at Al Karaana Lagoons following their environmental remediation. Data collected (2015 and 2017) by Ashghal (Public Works Authority) prior to project implementation was analyzed alongside data collected independently following project completion (2019–2021). There was a marked increase in bird biodiversity following remediation, including substantial use by migratory species and resident breeders. Further analysis of water quality data of the TSE (treated sewage effluent) ponds shows that they are eutrophic but still support substantial bird life. The project’s success demonstrates how reclaimed lands can provide important habitats to local and migratory birds and encourages similar restoration efforts in the future in both Qatar and elsewhere. We call for the continued monitoring of the site and the implementation of guidelines for the use of the site that balance human activities and habitat quality.

Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas with an important contribution to global warming. While national and international efforts have been put in place to reduce methane emissions, little is known about its variability, especially in hotspot regions where natural and anthropogenic emissions are compounded. In this study, the current state of CH4 concentrations and their trends over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region are investigated with satellite and reanalysis data. CH4 concentrations have increased over the last 5 years, with a trend in the satellite-derived column values (XCH4) of about 9 ppb/year. A clear annual cycle is detected in XCH4, with an amplitude of up to 75 ppb and peak values in the warmer months. The largest concentrations are found in coastal sites, where sabkhas and landfills are present, and along the Al Hajar mountains, where agricultural activities and microhabitats that may host CH4-producing microbes occur and where advection by the background flow is likely an important contributor. The reanalysis data shows a good agreement with the satellite-derived estimates in terms of the spatial pattern, but the magnitudes are smaller by up to 50 ppb, due to deficiencies in the data assimilated. Surface CH4 concentrations in the reanalysis data account for more than 50% of the corresponding XCH4 values, and exhibit a seasonal cycle with the opposite phase due to uncertainties in the emissions inventory. Our findings provide an overview of the state of CH4 concentration in the UAE and surrounding region, and may aid local authorities to propose the appropriate emission reduction strategies in order to meet the proposed net-zero greenhouse gas emission target by 2050. This study highlights the need for the establishment in the Arabian Peninsula region of a ground-based observational network for greenhouse gas concentrations which is still lacking to date.

This paper is devoted to the analysis of air temperature and humidity changes during the two solar eclipses of 26 December 2019 and 21 June 2020 in Saudi Arabia based on data we collected from two different sites. We highlight the complexity of humidity’s response to a solar eclipse, which is quite different from temperature’s response. During the December event, the Sun rose already partially eclipsed, while for the June eclipse, it was only partial at Riyadh. This difference apparently affected the observed response on the recorded variables: temperature, relative humidity (RH), and vapor pressure (VP) in the two events. Changes in these variables went unnoticed for the first eclipse since they were within the natural variability of the day; yet for the other, they showed evident alterations in the slopes of the major parameters, which we analyze and discuss. A decrease in temperature of 3.2 °C was detected in Riyadh. However, RH and VP showed an oscillation that we explain taking into account a similar effect reported in other eclipses. We measured a time lag of about 15 min from the eclipse central phase in the city. Related fluctuations and dynamics from the computed rates of the temporal variation of temperature and RH are scrutinized. Furthermore, an overdue significant review of terrestrial atmospheric parameters is also offered in the context of the eclipse meteorology, particularly related to desert atmospheres. We also try to identify the influence of solar eclipses in similar environments doing a broad inter-comparison with other observations of these variables in the Near East, northern Africa, and in the United States. These inter-comparisons reveal how complex and dissimilar the response of the lower atmosphere to a solar eclipse can be within a desert environment and other similar environments.

Changes in temperature seasonality influence a wide range of societal and natural activities. The characteristics of the temperature/thermal seasons in the Arabian Peninsula and how the seasons have changed remain unclear. Using observational and reanalysis data (1985–2022), this research (1) introduces a new approach to define seasons based on a hybrid hierarchical k-means clustering method, (2) documents the characteristics of temperature/thermal seasons, and (3) examines changes in the timings (onset and end) and lengths of the temperature seasons in the Peninsula. The results indicate that summer is the longest season (165 days), with the onset ranging from mid- to late April in the southern and northern Arabian Peninsula, respectively. Winter begins in late November and lasts until late February, with a length averaging around 92 days. Spring and autumn are the shortest seasons, lasting for about 52 days. The seasons demonstrate latitudinal patterns in their timings that correspond well to the seasonal changes in solar inclination. A trend analysis shows that summer is extending and becoming warmer, particularly at night. Winter is becoming shorter, with higher temperatures during both the day and night. Spring is starting and ending earlier, with a higher increase in the daytime temperature. The results of this research will be valuable in various applications relevant to sustainable ecosystems and human well-being.

This study analyzes high-grade carbonate rocks from several strategic deposits in the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring countries. The rocks are used locally for quicklime and dololime production in twin-shaft regenerative kilns. Stable C-O-Sr isotopes, along with chemical, mineralogical-petrographic analyses, micropaleontological investigations, cathodoluminescence microscopy, organic carbon speciation, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, were used to trace the provenance of these rocks from economically significant non-metallic deposits. The resulting database can help identify and differentiate industrial raw materials that may appear similar chemically and/or macroscopically but have different textures/microstructures that can affect the properties of the derived burnt lime products. Various technological tests, including slaking reactivity, sticking tendency at high-temperature (i.e., 1300 °C), and physico-mechanical behavior of the lime, were performed to evaluate their suitability and predict lime performance in twin-shaft regenerative kilns. Comparison of laboratory and plant results validated the resulting database.

During floristic research in 2017–2022 in the Emirate of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the authors discovered new alien species that complement the species composition of the flora of vascular plants in the Emirate and the UAE as a whole. The article presents new records of five alien species previously unknown from the flora of UAE and Fujairah: Gomphrena serrata L. (Amaranthaceae), Portulaca pilosa L., P. grandiflora Hook., P. umbraticolaKunth (Portulacaceae), and Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth (Piperaceae). Gomphrena serrata which is rare in the country was found only in one place in the mountainous region of Fujarah, and it is a novelty for the flora of the Arabian Peninsula as a whole, while Portulaca pilosa was observed in several different areas of Fujairah Emirate and is also known for Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman. Peperomia pellucida was found only in a single locality in the “Alamarey plant nursery” in Dibba town but in large number of individuals. For every species, synonyms, overall distribution, habitat preferences, affinity and taxonomic remarks as well as the list of localities are given. The herbarium materials were deposited in the Herbarium of the Komarov Botanical Institute (LE, Saint-Petersburg, Russia), duplicates were sent to the Herbarium of Altai State University (ALTB, Barnaul, Russia) and the Scientific Herbarium of Fujairah (FSH, Wadi Wuraya National Park, Fujairah, UAE).

{AR}تركزت العديد من مواقع الاستيطان البشرى التى تنتمى إلى العصر الحجرى الأوسط، في إريتريا نظرًا للأهمية المحورية لموقعها على ساحل البحر الأحمر، ومنها "عبدور" و"أسفت"، والتى كانتا بمثابة نقطة انطلاق للإنسان القديم من أفريقيا إلى شبه الجزيرة العربية منذ أقدم العصور. تستهدف هذه الورقة البحثية دراسة الصلات الحضارية بين إريتريا وشبه الجزيرة العربية في العصر الحجرى الأوسط اعتمادًا على تحليل المعلومات المستمدة من السجل البشرى الأحفورى، ودراسة الجينات البشرية والأحماض النووية ومدى¬ اختلاطها بين هؤلاء البشر، ومقارنة الأدوات الحجرية التى عثر عليها في كلا المنطقتين ومدى تشابهها، وعلى الرغم من ندرة البقايا الأحفورية للإنسان العاقل في شبه الجزيرة العربية؛ إلا أن مجموعات الأدوات الحجرية التى عثر عليها في بعض المواقع مثل جبل فايا١ بالإمارات العربية المتحدة ومنطقة ظفار بعمان وجبل قطار1 بصحراء النفوذ بالمملكة العربية السعودية وشيعبة دحية١ باليمن شكلت جميعها سجلًا أثريًا قدم معلومات مهمة حول توقيت الانتشار وتوزيع المهن وتطور السلوك البشرى، وأظهرت أوجه التشابه التقنية والنمطية بين هذه الأدوات، ولكن لا زالت الحاجة إلى مزيد من الاكتشافات الجديدة والأدلة الأثرية للتأكيد على أن هذا التشابه الحضارى نتج عن الانتشار المبكر للبشر عبر هذه المناطق وليس مجرد تشابهًا في التكيف مع ظروف بيئية مماثلة {EN} As for the pivotal importance of Eritrea's location in east Africa on the Red Sea coast; It included many human settlement sites belonging to the Middle Stone Age (MSA), such as Abdur and Asfet. This research aims to study the civilized links between Eritrea and the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle Stone Age, based on analysis of the information which was derived from the human fossil record, tudying the human genes and the extent of their mixing between these humans. And compare the stone tools that were found in the two regions and their similarity. Although the fossil specimens of Homo sapiens in the Arabian Peninsula are rare there are groups of stone tools that were found in some sites such as Jebel Faya 1 in the United Arab Emirates, the Dhofar region in Oman, the Nefud desert in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Shi’bat Dihya in Yemen. All formed an archaeological record that provided important information about the timing of migrations and the distribution of occupations of the first humans. It showed technical and pattern similarities between these tools, but more evidence and archaeological discoveries are still needed to emphasize that this cultural similarity resulted from the early dispersal of humans across these regions and not simply a similarity in adaptation to similar environmental conditions.

The genus Mentha encompasses mint species cultivated for their essential oils, which are formulated into a vast array of consumer products. However, the systematics of the genus Mentha is very complicated and still uncertain. This is largely because of the presence of frequent interspecific hybridization, variation in chromosome number, cytomixis, polymorphism in morphology and essential oil composition under different environmental conditions, colonial mutant propagation, as well as the occurrence of polyploidy, aneuploidy, and nothomorphs. Here, we present the plastome assemblies for a wilt-resistant Saudi Arabian accession of Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds and an alien hybrid Mentha × verticillata L. which are 152,078 bp and 152,026 bp in length, respectively, and exhibited large single-copy (LSC) and small single-copy (SSC) regions separated by a pair of inverted repeat regions. The chloroplast genome of M. longifolia has 133 annotated genes, including 88 protein-coding genes and 37 tRNAs while M. × verticillata has 133 annotated genes, including 87 protein-coding genes and 38 tRNAs. Both cp genomes have eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis using a total chloroplast genome DNA sequence of 17 species revealed that M. longifolia sequenced in this study did not form a sister relationship with M. longifolia from another study. This opens a window for further investigations.

[Ar] رؤية جديدة لآثار موقع الرجاجيل يقع موقع الرجاجيل الغامض على بعد 10 كيلومترات جنوب غرب سكاكا فى منطقة الجوف بالمملكة العربية السعودية. تضم آثار الموقع 54 مجموعة منفصلة من أعمدة الحجر الرملى المحلية التي تتكون من أكوام دائرية بسيطة من الصخور المهشمة. لا يُعرف سوى القليل عن آثار الرجاجيل، التى تعود إلى العصر الحجرى الحديث والعصر النحاسى (حوالى 6500 إلى 2800 قبل الميلاد)، لأن البحث فى ثقافات الرجاجيل لا يزال فى مراحله الأولى. نظرًا لندرة المصادر، حاول كل باحث تفسير هذا الموقع الحجري بشكل منفصل دون ربطه بالآراء الأخرى. لذا ترسم الورقة البحثية سيناريو يمكن أن يربط بين الوظائف المقترحة واختفاء حضارة الموقع من الولادة إلى الموت من خلال نقطتين: أولاً، يمثل موقع الرجاجيل مستوطنة محلية تضم العديد من المبانى للإسكان والعبادة والأنشطة المدنية. غيّر الرعاة الذين استقروا فى الموقع أسلوب حياتهم من «الرعى» إلى «الواحة». ثانيًا، أدى التغير المناخى الشديد إلى تدهور الموقع بسبب انتشار الجفاف والتصحر تدريجيًا. كما خلفت عاصفة قوية مفترضة الدمار فى منطقة موقع الرجاجيل. فقد سقطت مبانى الموقع فى العاصفة وتضررت إلى أجزاء، كما يمكننا رؤيتها كأكوام حجرية بشكل منفصل فى الموقع. قد تكون هذه الأسباب قد أجبرت السكان على الهجرة من موقع الرجاجيل إلى منطقة أخرى. فى وقت لاحق، قام بعض المسافرين أو البدو المحليين بالتخييم فى الموقع وإعادة استخدام بعض الأعمدة الحجرية كأعمدة خيام (منازل البدو) بينما أعادت استخدام الأعمدة الأخرى كشواهد قبور. فقد عانى موقع الرجاجيل فى أوقات غير معروفة من حرائق عشبية ضخمة، اعتيادية فى المنطقة. يروى موقع الرجاجيل القصة الحقيقية لميلاد وموت حضارة محلية عاشت فى صمت صحراء شبه الجزيرة العربية. [En]The enigmatic site of Rajajil is located precisely 10 km southwest of Sakaka in the Jawf region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The site monuments include fifty-four separated groups of local sandstone pillars comprising simple circular heaps of damaged boulders. Little is known about the Rajajil monuments, which date from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic eras (c. 6500 to 2800 BC), because research into the Rajajil Cultures is still in its early stages. Due to the scarcity of source material, every scholar tried to interpret this megalithic site separately without connecting it with the other views. The paper draws a scenario that could connect the suggested functions and the disappearance of the site's civilization from birth to death through two points: First, the Rajajil site represented a domestic settlement comprising many buildings for housing, worshipping, and civil activities. The shepherds who settled on the site changed their lifestyle from «pastoralization» to «oasisisation». Second, drastic climate change has led to the site's decline because of gradually spreading dryness and aridity. A supposed powerful storm left a trail of devastation in the area of the Rajajil site. The site buildings fell in the storm and were damaged into pieces, as we can see them as cairns separately in the location. Such reasons may have forced the settlers to migrate from the Rajajil site to another area. Later, some travellers or local Bedouins camped the site and reused some stone pillars as tent poles (Bedouins houses) while the other pillars were reused as gravestones. Rajajil suffered from massive grass fires, typical for the area, at unknown times. The Rajajil site tells the true story of the birth and death of a local civilisation that lived in the desert's silence of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Saudi General Department of Antiquities and Museums in 1988 discovered six collective burials at the so-called industrial site "Sanaᶜiye" in Tayma. An Egyptian-style scarab with an inscription of the name of the god Amun was found on the site. The excavation report neglected to study this scarab, its presence in these burials, and its purpose. This scarab was not the only object representing the Egyptian influence, as a Wadjet-eye amulet accompanied it. The report itself has failed to describe and date these objects. The significance of this study is clarified by historically contextualising the data to identify the function of this scarab. Indeed, in Egypt, this object tended to be used as a seal or as a protection amulet. Both functions are considered as the scarab only bears the signs of the name Amun. In addition, this paper attempted to determine the scarab’s date, identifying it to be the reigns of Ramesses III or his successor at the latest. This reflects the Egyptian presence in the Late Ramesside era, in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula.

The present communication deals with a faunistic study on two species of Latrodectus Walckenaer with medically important issues from Oman. Several specimens of Latrodectus have been collected at various localities in Sultanate of Oman. This study records two species of Latrodectus from Oman, of which Latrodectus cinctus Blackwall only from northern Oman and Latrodectus geometricus C.L. Koch from both northern and southern Oman.

Abstract The sensitivity of different cumulus physical parameterization schemes for simulating extreme winter precipitation events over the Arabian Peninsula (AP) is investigated using a high‐resolution weather research and forecasting (WRF) model. For winters in 2001–2016, the following three parameterization schemes are examined: (i) Kain–Fritsch (KF), (ii) Betts–Miller–Janjić (BMJ), and (iii) Grell–Freitas (GF). The simulation results suggest that the AP extreme winter rainfall events are best simulated using the KF, followed by the BMJ, in terms of spatial distribution and intensity. The spatial pattern correlation coefficient between the model‐simulated and observed rainfall is highest with KF (0.94), followed by BMJ (0.91) and GF (0.76). These results are attributed to a better representation of the moisture transport associated with upper‐tropospheric cyclonic circulation and potential vorticity intrusions. By contrast, the GF scheme fails to simulate moisture convergence and updrafts, leading to an unrealistic representation of cloud hydrometeors and an improper organization of convection and associated extreme rainfall intensities. Meanwhile, the KF and BMJ also successfully simulate the dynamics and thermodynamics of extreme rainfall events that are usually driven by synoptic forcing. The study results suggest that the choice of cumulus parameterization schemes in the WRF model is critical for reliable simulation of extreme rainfall in the hyperarid AP region.

Lockdowns imposed across the world to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic also reduced the anthropogenic emissions. This study investigates the changes in the anthropogenic and natural pollution levels during the lockdown over the Arabian Peninsula (AP), a region where natural pollutants (mineral dust) dominate. In-situ and satellite observations, reanalysis products, and Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) coupled with Chemistry module (WRF-Chem) simulations were analyzed to investigate the influence of COVID−19 lockdown on the aerosols (PM2.5, PM10, and AOD) and trace gases (NO2 and SO2). WRF-Chem reasonably reproduced the satellite and in-situ measurements during the study period, with correlation coefficients varying between 0.6–0.8 (0.3–0.8) for PM10 (NO2 and SO2) at 95% confidence levels. During the lockdown, WRF-Chem simulations indicate a significant reduction (50–60%) in the trace gas concentrations over the entire AP compared to the pre-lockdown period. This is shown to be mostly due to a significant reduction in the emissions and an increase in the boundary layer height. An increase in the aerosol concentrations over the central and northern parts of the AP, and a decrease over the north-west AP, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden regions are noticeable during the lockdown. WRF-Chem simulations suggest that the increase in particulate concentrations over the central and northern AP during the lockdown is mainly due to an increase in dust concentrations, manifested by the stronger convergence and upliftment of winds and warmer surface temperatures (15–25%) over the desert regions. The restricted anthropogenic activities drastically reduced the trace gas concentrations, however, the reduction in particulate concentration levels is offset by the increase in the natural processes (dust emissions).

The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a global challenge that requires a coordinated effort to address. In this study, we examined the genetic similarity of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in countries belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to gain a better understanding of how these bacteria are spreading and evolving in the region. We used in silico genomic tools to investigate the occurrence and prevalence of different types of carbapenemases and their relationship to specific sequence types (STs) of CRKP commonly found in the region. We analyzed 720 publicly available genomes of multi-drug resistant K. pneumoniae isolates collected from six GCC countries between 2011 and 2020. Our findings showed that ST-14 and ST-231 were the most common STs, and 51.7% of the isolates carried blaOXA-48-like genes. Additionally, we identified rare carbapenemase genes in a small number of isolates. We observed a clonal outbreak of ST-231 in Oman, and four Saudi isolates were found to have colistin resistance genes. Our study offers a comprehensive overview of the genetic diversity and resistance mechanisms of CRKP isolates in the GCC region that could aid in developing targeted interventions to combat this pressing global issue.

We report a collection of Bidens pilosa L. from an urban habitat in Abu Dhabi. This represents a new generic record of Bidens L. for the emirate. The species has most likely been accidentally introduced and has the potential to affect the native flora because of its fast rate of growth. The new record expands the geographic distribution of the species and highlights the importance of expanding surveys to include urban habitats, which would help track the spread of non-native species within the emirate.

The “Ancient Armenian Geography” (“Ashkharatsuyts”) places a special emphasis on the historical and geographical description of the Arabian Peninsula as a whole. Here, Arabia is considered as two countries of Universal Asia: the 25th and 28th countries are referred to as Arabia Petraea and Felix, respectively. The desert part of Arabia (Arabia Deserta) is also mentioned, but the authors (Movses Khorenatsi, Ananias of Shirak) only outline the boundaries of the peninsula. In addition to the geographical and historical information, the “Ashkharatsuyts” gives details on the socio-economic and cultural development of the population residing in the region. There is also a racial map, as well as the information about fossil resources, flora, fauna, etc. Similarly to the earlier works by other scholars (Strabo, Pliny the Elder, Pomponius Mela, Ptolemy, et al.), the “Ashkharatsuyts” is focused on all sections and subcategories of geography (from anthropogeography, cartography, local history, physico-economic geography to military geography, plant geography, physical geography (orography and hydrography), etc.). In this paper, each fragment of the text devoted to Arabia is explained on the basis of hermeneutic principles. Toponyms are interpreted using historical and linguistic analysis. Controversial issues are considered in the perspective of comparison with data from other sources. The results obtained contribute considerably to the study of the Arabian Peninsula by appealing to historical sources along with archaeological data.

Magnolia champaca L. (=Michilia champaca L.) (Magnoliaceae) is named fallah tree. It is famous for aromatic flowers, often used in Taiz during festivals (weddings and Eids) as necklaces or hair bands. The species included in IUCN red list species as threatened in its Geographical distribution range. The work was conducted to enhance the previous efforts of recording and documenting the plant species diversity, since Royal Denish expedition to Egypt, the Red Sea, and Yemen by Forsskal during the years 1761–1767 and onwards work of other’s scientists. The survey was conducted in Al-Marzoh village (Taiz provenance) during the field trips conducted in 2019. Detailed morphometric description, distribution and habitat of the species are provided in this manuscript, along with photographs and illustrated sketches. The investigation revealed that species is monotypic and reported for the first time as a native and new record to the flora of the Arabian Peninsula from Yemen. The species is of economic importance, highly marketed and, pertinent to chart down strategies for conservation. Against this backdrop, seed germination, reproductive barriers, and habitat adaption need to be deeply studied to chart conservation strategies. In addition, in-situ and ex-situ conservation must be initiated immediately to conserve the species.

The Reviewed Event Bulletin (REB) issued through the International Data Centre (IDC) using the International Monitoring System (IMS) network of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) is a seismo-acoustic bulletin distributed to the Member States of the CTBTO for the purpose of verifying the Treaty. The REB is partially available within a few days on the public site of the International Seismological Center (ISC), where the REB events are labeled ‘IDC’. This study focuses on the seismicity of the Arabian Peninsula and its adjacent regions, but the conclusions would be similar for regions that include good quality seismic stations of the IMS auxiliary seismic network, which has no weight in the current Event Definition Criteria (EDC). It is indicated that the consideration of the confidence ellipse factors (semi-major a-axis, semi-minor b-axis, and the epicentral area (A) as alternative EDC would significantly improve the completeness of the REB for the Arabian Peninsula, which consequently enhance the quality of the ISC bulletin.The Arabian Peninsula has been chosen as a study region not only because it is surrounded by the IMS auxiliary seismic stations but also due to its increasing population, rapid urbanization, and strong economic growth in recent years. It has attracted many mega-projects (e.g., Multinational NEUM in Saudi Arabia, Expo 2020 in Dubai, the Special Economic Zone at Duqm in Oman, and the World Cup 2022 in Qatar). The earthquake hazards impact for the big cities in Saudi Arabia, such as Dammam in the east, and Jeddah, Tabuk, and Jizan in the west and the nearby cities are reviewed. The completeness catalog of the revised earthquakes may serve to improve the calculation of earthquake hazards threatening big cities in and around Saudi Arabia.

Among all the natural hazards, earthquake prediction is an arduous task. Although many studies have been published on earthquake hazard assessment (EHA), very few have been published on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in spatial probability assessment (SPA). There is a great deal of complexity observed in the SPA modeling process due to the involvement of seismological to geophysical factors. Recent studies have shown that the insertion of certain integrated factors such as ground shaking, seismic gap, and tectonic contacts in the AI model improves accuracy to a great extent. Because of the black-box nature of AI models, this paper explores the use of an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) model in SPA. This study aims to develop a hybrid Inception v3-ensemble extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model and shapely additive explanations (SHAP). The model would efficiently interpret and recognize factors’ behavior and their weighted contribution. The work explains the specific factors responsible for and their importance in SPA. The earthquake inventory data were collected from the US Geological Survey (USGS) for the past 22 years ranging the magnitudes from 5 Mw and above. Landsat-8 satellite imagery and digital elevation model (DEM) data were also incorporated in the analysis. Results revealed that the SHAP outputs align with the hybrid Inception v3-XGBoost model (87.9% accuracy) explanations, thus indicating the necessity to add new factors such as seismic gaps and tectonic contacts, where the absence of these factors makes the prediction model performs poorly. According to SHAP interpretations, peak ground accelerations (PGA), magnitude variation, seismic gap, and epicenter density are the most critical factors for SPA. The recent Turkey earthquakes (Mw 7.8, 7.5, and 6.7) due to the active east Anatolian fault validate the obtained AI-based earthquake SPA results. The conclusions drawn from the explainable algorithm depicted the importance of relevant, irrelevant, and new futuristic factors in AI-based SPA modeling.

This study evaluated the historical precipitation simulations of 49 global climate models (GCMs) of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) in reproducing annual and seasonal precipitation climatology, linear trends, and their spatial correlation with global SST across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula during the period of 1980–2014, using Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCP) data as a reference. Taylor’s diagram was used to quantify the strengths and weaknesses of the models in simulating precipitation. The CMIP6 multi-mean ensemble (MME) and the majority of the GCMs replicated the dominant features of the spatial and temporal variations reasonably well. The CMIP6 MME outperformed the majority of the individual models. The spatial variation of the CMIP6 MME closely matched the observation. The results showed that at annual and seasonal scales, the GPCP and CMIP6 MME reproduced a coherent spatial pattern in terms of the magnitude of precipitation. The humid region received >300 mm and the arid region received

Collecting of terphritid fruit flies at four sites in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), resulted in the presence of eleven species. Capparimyia savastani is reported for the first time from UAE fauna. The number of UAE Tephritidae fauna is increased to 34. The first checklist of fruit flies of UAE is also provided.

Now nCOVID-19 has a foothold in many countries, and the threat of a pandemic situation has risen. Recently a novel coronavirus (nCOVID-19) has first emerged in China, causing multiple symptoms in humans and closely related to those caused by SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). The nCOVID-19 has reported in Wuhan city of China has recently infected over six million people and at least 0.4 million confirmed deaths all over the world, while 2.8 million people has recovered from this deadly virus. Many instances of this respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection have already reported in more than 216 countries and territories. In contrast, the majority of cases reported in the USA, Brazil, Russia, Spain, UK, Italy, France and many more countries. In today's context, the coronavirus is one of the significant issues faced by the world with plenty of cases. In these circumstances, rapid reviews which recommended by WHO (World Health Organization), and these recommendations are very significant, helpful and cover current data with different preventive measures developed by the Saudi CDC (Saudi Centre for Disease Prevention and Control). This review article describes the possible modes of transmission so that proper preventive actions should be taking. Importantly, this work mentioned the animal reservoir through which may infect humans, and it must be identified to break the transmission chain. In additions, this review paper briefly discussed the spread of the coronavirus in the Arabian Peninsula and what precaution measures are in place by each country to limit the spreading of this virus. Finally, since the number of infected people specifically those with close contact with nCOVID-19 patients is increasing daily and appears unstoppable, we used the preventive measures by pharmacists as part of health care professions.

This research investigates the motif of bull ׳s heads in the arts of some areas of civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula .It deals with the religious and civilizational connotations of their representation, in the civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula, such as the Dilmun civilization on the west coast of the Arabian Gulf; as well as the civilizations of western and southern Arabia. The article will discuss also the possible impact of some civilizations of the Near East especially Mesopotamia, on the Arabian Peninsula in the representation of this motif and its various uses. The date of research is during period from the third millennium B.C. until the end of the first millennium BC. One of the difficulties of research is that the religious significance of the bulls in the arts of Arabian Peninsula cannot be separated from the reverence of the bull itself. The bull considered as a symbol of power and fertilization, especially in agricultural environments. It was also one of the most important animals produced, besides that it was a symbol of the presidency and monarchy.

Introduced species can have devastating impacts on the environment and economy in non-native ranges. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, published knowledge of introduced fauna or flora is very limited, although this knowledge is basic for their management. Thus, this research provides the very first detailed list of invasive bird species in the Kingdom based on intensive field work, citizen science and published literature. The introduced bird community in the Kingdom consists of 21 species, many of which are widely spread across the Kingdom. Distribution of introduced species varies among provinces; the highest numbers are recorded in Riyadh and Eastern Province with 18 species each, representing 9 and 10 families, respectively. A few of the reported species are linked with devastating ecological and economic impacts in introductions that took place elsewhere, such as Indian House Crow, Common Myna, and Red-vented bulbul. Harvest of wild birds for the purpose of pet trade caused the introduction of three known natives of the highlands in the south-west region into the deserts of the Central and Eastern region. It is evident that the Kingdom harbors many introduced species that are invasive and are known of having a wide range of impacts, necessitating further studies to provide management insights. Management actions directed by these scientific findings is crucially needed to prevent future introductions and contain previously established ones.

This study explores the characteristics of crucial dust sources and changes in their emissions over the Arabian Peninsula (AP) over the 2000–2022 period using high-resolution dust aerosol optical depth data from the Moderate Resolution Imagining Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol measurements onboard Terra and Aqua platforms. The MODIS dust retrievals successfully unravel the hitherto-unexplored key dust source regions and spatial heterogeneity in dust emissions. Critically, MODIS-defined dust sources display a robust geomorphological signature. In Iraq, the Tigris and Euphrates River basins contain extensive dust sources; the Euphrates dust sources are stronger and more widespread. Localized dust sources are noticed over Syria. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the eastern province particularly facilitates extensive dust activity. Oman is the prominent dust source in the southern AP due to the presence of intruding sand dunes. Dust emissions in the Iraq and KSA regions exhibit a significant negative correlation with the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index, a drought index, establishing that the local droughts enhance the dust emissions in these regions. The recent sustained droughts from 2008 to 2013 caused a remarkable escalation in the dust emissions in these regions through the modification of land surface conditions.

This communication reports on records of fourteen species and three morphospecies from Oman. Squamapion sp., Nanophyes sp., Schoenherr, 1838, Hoplopodapion tibesticola (Alonso-Zarazaga, 1983), Aegyptobaris arctithorax (Pic, 1899), Eumycterus albosquamulatus Boheman, 1838, Proeces filum (Marshall, 1933), Rhamphus micros Colonnelli, 2009, Sharpia sabulicola Colonnelli, 2009, Smicronyx (Smicronyx) rufipennis Tournier, 1874, Amblyrhinus cylindricollis Magnano, 2009, Myllocerus undecimpustulatus Faust, 1891, Cosmogaster cordofanus (Fåhraeus, 1842), Hypolixus nubilosus (Boheman, 1836), Microlarinus irregularis Colonnelli, 2009 are from northen Oman and Araecerus sp., Cylindroides bifasciatus (Quedenfeldt, 1887), Orfilaia arabica (Muizon, 1954) from Dhofar in southern Oman.

The paper examines communication and visibility (C&V) aspect in the operations of the EU Delegation in Saudi Arabia and the GFA Consulting Group. The author assumes that properly designed communication using adequate contents may significantly affect the EU external relations. To verify this statement, the twofold approach was used. First, through the lens of Soft Power and EU actorness, it looks into the theoretical dimension of the international relations and its possible links with communication process. Second, drawing on existing internal EU documents (Communication and Visibility in EU-financed External Actions – Requirements for Implementing Partners 2018 by the EU Delegation in Saudi Arabia, and Information and Communication Handbook for EU Delegations in the Third Countries and International Organizations, published in 20122) the paper offers analytical framework to explore the qualitative and quantitative nature of the online communication undertaken in social media platform both by the EU Delegation in Saudi Arabia and the GFA.

The Ficus populifolia Vahl. in the Arabian Peninsula is threatened, peripheral, and geographically isolated from its main population in Africa. Here, the entire plastome of F. populifolia from the Arabian Peninsula was sequenced and analyzed to provide a baseline genetic resource for future research. The F. populifolia plastome has a classic quadripartite structure with a size of 160,610 bp, the large and small single copies of 88,729 and 20,097 bp, respectively, and each pair of inverted repeats are 25,892 bp. The genome includes 113 unique genes, 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. The results reveal a total of 49 long repeats, including (30) palindromic, (14) forward, and (5) reverse repeats. Similarly, a total of 186 simple sequence repeats were identified, 83.8% of which were mononucleotides. The genomic comparison with four Ficus species indicated that the plastome of F. populifolia was highly conserved, with some hypervariable noncoding regions. The phylogenomic analysis of 28 species of Ficus, based on 78 coding genes, revealed that F. populifolia is closely related to the African species F. lyrata. The genomic data generated in this study provide valuable resources for future investigations on the population genetics, authentication, and genetic conservation of the wild Arabian population of F. populifolia.

Wind hazard is one of the most severe natural hazards. Structures and infrastructure can be vulnerable to wind load effects due to extreme wind speeds. Mitigation and the reduction of wind-related risks of structures and infrastructures can be made by considering the wind load effects within the structural design process. Building design codes or standards for some countries in the Arabian Peninsula do not formally define the wind load effects. For countries with wind load provisions in their building codes and standards, the spatial resolution of design wind speeds may not be sufficient to cover many cities or areas. To date, there has not been a comprehensive study on the extreme wind hazards at the design level in the Arabian Peninsula. Extreme wind hazards have been conventionally evaluated by using historical surface observations. However, an investigation showed that many meteorological stations in the Arabian Peninsula cannot be used to evaluate the design wind speeds due to low data quality or insufficient sampling resolution. This study used the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to obtain data with a high spatial-temporal resolution. The simulated extreme wind speeds across the Arabian Peninsula were characterized statistically. Spatial distributions of the extreme wind speeds and their associated attributes were investigated. The simulated wind speeds were separated into convective event-induced wind speeds and synoptic wind speeds to obtain the design wind speeds. The convective wind events were identified using a statistical algorithm defining the threshold values of the Lifted Index and the Convective Available Potential Energy values. A numerical parametric cyclone model was used to simulate the cyclone-induced extreme wind speeds for the southern coastal regions of the Arabian Peninsula. The design wind speeds were evaluated by using the most appropriate probability distribution and preferred fitting method. Contour maps of various return period wind speeds were developed.