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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)., В ходе флористических исследований в 2017–2022 гг. в эмирате Фуджейра в Объединенных Арабских Эмиратах (ОАЭ) авторами были сделаны новые находки чужеродных видов, которые дополняют видовой состав флоры сосудистых растений на территории эмирата и ОАЭ в целом. В статье представлены новые сведения о пяти чужеродных видах, ранее неизвестных во флоре ОАЭ: Gomphrena serrata L. (Amaranthaceae), Portulaca pilosa L., P. grandiflora Hook., P. umbraticola Kunth (Portulacaceae) и Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth (Piperaceae). Все они были впервые найдены в эмирате Фуджейра в восточной части ОАЭ. Gomphrena serrata редко встречается в стране, был обнаружен только в одном месте в горной части Фуджейры и является новым видом для флоры Аравийского полуострова в целом, в то время как Portulaca pilosa наблюдался в нескольких различных районах эмирата Фуджейра и также известен в Саудовской Аравии, Йемене и Омане. Peperomia pellucida также является редкостью в стране, был обнаружен только в одном месте, но в большом количестве в «питомнике растений Аламарей» в городе Дибба. Представлены виды, синонимы, общее распространение, предпочтения в среде обитания и таксономия видов с замечаниями по идентификации и дифференциации от наиболее похожих таксонов, встречающихся в районе исследования, а также список местонахождений. Гербарные материалы хранятся в Гербарии Ботанического института им. Комарова (LE, Санкт-Петербург, Россия), дубликаты отправлены в Гербарий Алтайского государственного университета (ALTB, Барнаул, Россия) и Научный гербарий Фуджейры (FSH, Вади Национальный парк Вурайя, Фуджейра, ОАЭ).

The large branchiopod crustaceans (Anostraca, Notostraca, and Spinicaudata) of Qatar have only been examined recently. Although 15 nominal species have been reported for the Arabian Peninsula, there is confusion surrounding the determinations of previously collected taxa from Qatar, and the validity of some spinicaudatan taxa is in question. Most spinicaudatan clam shrimp taxa are poorly described; some lack type material or the type material has been lost. We provide a review of the taxa from Qatar and some records from adjacent Saudi Arabia. We recognise five large branchiopod crustacean taxa from Qatar (two anostracans, one notostracan, and two spinicaudatans) and provide new locality records from Umm Alshkoot and correct some previous literature statements. In addition, we comment on the likelihood of another ten taxa to occur in or near Qatar.

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.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from animals to humans, with felids acting as its definitive hosts. Understanding the epidemiology of this parasite in animal populations is vital to controlling its transmission to humans as well as to other animal groups which are of economic importance to regional economies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize and analyze reports of T. gondii infection in animal species residing in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Arabian Peninsula contents seven sovereign countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Yemen, Kuwait, and Oman. The region has global health importance. All the countries are cosmopolitan by population as expatriate workers from different parts of the world live here. The Mecca and Medina are the global center for Haj and umrah for the Muslim world. Doha, Dubai, Masqat, Madinah, Riyadh, and Jeddah are leading ports for air travelers. Dubai is a global port of business. This region can avail every infectious disease reported in other parts of the world and act as a hub for global spread. However, very little research has been done on infectious diseases of global/regional interest in this region. This systematic review and meta-analysis will include all studies addressing any of the viral hemorrhagic diseases in this geographic region.

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.

In this study five new records and two probably undescribed species of heterobranch sea slugs placed in four genera, three families, and two orders are reported from Kuwait, northwestern Arabian / Persian Gulf with details and photographs. The present study increases the heterobranch diversity in Kuwaiti waters from 35 to 40 species. The range of habitats in Kuwait provides a vital opportunity for further investigation to understand the actual faunal diversity.

Plant hotspot areas are the areas that are very rich in plant species diversity. These areas have a priority for conservation. To highlight the plant diversity for nature conservation purposes a case study in Al Baha region, Saudi Arabia is presented, in which the importance of the natural vegetation and flora of one of the hotspot areas of Saudi Arabia is evaluated through the explanation of its natural plant species. A survey study has been conducted in an area of 167.6 km2, a 97 sample each with 20X20 m were laid out covering the whole ecological zones of the study site. Data of flora, vegetation cover and topography were gathered from each sample site. The study revealed about 319 plant species belonging to 228 genera and 75 families. Two species were found endemic to Saudi Arabia, 14 were endemics to Arabian Peninsula, and five were regional endemics that are only found in East Africa and Arabian Peninsula, while 39 species are rare and endangered.

The paper presents Aspilia kotschyi (Sch.Bip. ex Hochst.) Oliv. (Asteraceae), a newly recorded genus of vascular plants, during the fieldwork in Fayfa region in the Southwest of Saudi Arabia. Flora books and scientific research papers dealing with the flora of Saudi Arabia have not mentioned any species of Aspilia genus. The taxon was found for the first time in Saudi Arabia, which makes a new addition and significant contribution to the flora of Saudi Arabia. The plant was seen near cultivated terraces and collected in September and October 2020 from Fayfa mountains, Jazan province, Southwest of Saudi Arabia. Morphological description, taxonomic remarks, distribution map, plant illustration, and plant photographs are provided.

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.

The Arabian Peninsula (Arabia) is among the places to have experienced the greatest amount of warming during recent decades, and this trend is projected to continue. Specifics related to the characteristics (frequency, duration, and intensity) of extreme temperature events (ETEs) over Arabia as a whole are either largely outdated or limited only to specific areas. The seasonal ETE definitions commonly used in local studies are neither climatological- nor phenomenon-based. Using a novel and straightforward framework, the seasons of four extreme temperature types (extreme warm days/nights (EWDs/EWNs) and extreme cold days/nights (ECDs/ECNs)) were identified on the simultaneous basis of event occurrence and impact times. Assessments of ETE frequency, duration, and intensity and their recent changes were then provided based on the most recent climate data (1991–2020). Results showed that the use of traditional seasonal definitions (e.g., meteorological seasons) tends to assume a spatiotemporal homogeneity in the seasonality of ETEs and their potential risk levels throughout the year. The developed framework distinguished months with events that have larger potential impacts together with their local seasons. ETE seasons were found to vary at the regional and local scales and are better defined at both the local and phenomenon levels. Early extreme warm events were hotter, and those at locations with longer local warm seasons demonstrated higher intensities. ECDs tended to be more frequent at coastal locations, whereas ECNs were more frequent over southwestern Arabia. Early and late extreme cold events were much colder than those occurring mid-season. Trend analyses revealed generally increasing regional trends in the frequency of extreme warm events, whereas extreme cold events have declined. The duration (i.e., consecutive occurrences) and intensity of EWNs have been increasing at more locations, suggesting that urgent attention is needed within such an arid and hot climate type in which nighttime stress relief is already very limited.

The Arabian Peninsula borders the hottest reefs in the world, and corals living in these extreme environments can provide insight into the effects of warming on coral health and disease. Here, we examined coral reef health at 17 sites across three regions along the northeastern Arabian Peninsula (Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Oman Sea) representing a gradient of environmental conditions. The Persian Gulf has extreme seasonal fluctuations in temperature and chronic hypersalinity, whereas the other two regions experience more moderate conditions. Field surveys identified 13 coral diseases including tissue loss diseases of unknown etiology (white syndromes) in Porites, Platygyra, Dipsastraea, Cyphastrea, Acropora and Goniopora; growth anomalies in Porites, Platygyra and Dipsastraea; black band disease in Platygyra, Dipsastraea, Acropora, Echinopora and Pavona; bleached patches in Porites and Goniopora and a disease unique to this region, yellow-banded tissue loss in Porites. The most widespread diseases were Platygyra growth anomalies (52.9% of all surveys), Acropora white syndrome (47.1%) and Porites bleached patches (35.3%). We found a number of diseases not yet reported in this region and found differential disease susceptibility among coral taxa. Disease prevalence was higher on reefs within the Persian Gulf (avg. 2.05%) as compared to reefs within the Strait of Hormuz (0.46%) or Oman Sea (0.25%). A high number of localized disease outbreaks (8 of 17 sites) were found, especially within the Persian Gulf (5 of 8 sites). Across all regions, the majority of variation in disease prevalence (82.2%) was associated with the extreme temperature range experienced by these corals combined with measures of organic pollution and proximity to shore. Thermal stress is known to drive a number of coral diseases, and thus, this region provides a platform to study disease at the edge of corals thermal range. Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library. This project was supported by the National Geographic Society grant #977015. Fieldwork and sample collection permissions were provided by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Fujairah Municipality and Dibba Municipality, and the Musandam Governorate. Fieldwork was undertaken with the NYUAD Core Research Vessel, the Palms Dive Center, Al Mahara Dive Center and Extra Divers Musandam. We thank Dain McParland and Grace Vaughan at NYUAD for logistical assistance.The manuscript was improved by comments from two anonymous reviewers. On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest. Scopus

We apply the Lagrangian-based moisture back trajectory method to two reanalysis datasets to determine the moisture sources for wet season precipitation over the Arabian Peninsula, defined as land on the Asian continent to the south of the Turkish border and west of Iran. To accomplish this, we make use of the evaporative source region between 65 degrees W-120 degrees E and 30 degrees S-60 degrees N, which is divided into twelve sub-regions. Our comparison of reanalyses and multiple observations allows us to validate datasets and highlight broad-scale similarities in characteristics, notwithstanding some inconsistencies in the southwest AP. The results indicate north-to-south spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the characteristics of dominant moisture sources. In the north, moisture for precipitation is mainly sourced from midlatitude land and water bodies, such as the Mediterranean and Caspian Seas. Areas further south are dependent on moisture transport from the Western Indian Ocean and parts of the African continent. The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exhibits an overall positive but sub-seasonally varying influence on the precipitation variability over the region, with noticeable moisture anomalies from all major source regions. A significant drying trend exists over parts of the Peninsula, which both reanalyses partially attribute to anomalies in the moisture advection from the Congo Basin and South Atlantic Ocean. However, considerable uncertainty in evaporation trends over the terrestrial evaporative sources in observations warrants additional modeling studies to further our understanding of key processes contributing to the negative trends., Climate Dynamics, ISSN:0930-7575, ISSN:1432-0894

Although quartz crystallinity index (QCI) was developed more than four decades ago, it remains a relatively new tool used in provenance studies. This study examines QCI values of Arabian sands (Quaternary sands from Nafud, Dahna, and AlRub'AlKhali deserts), and Arabian sandstones (Paleozoic and Mesozoic sandstones from northern and central Arabia). QCI values of sandstones range from 8.2 to 9.8. For Quaternary occurrences, QCI values of Nafud sands range from 7.4 to 9.5, Dahna sands range from 7.9 to 9.4, and AlRub'AlKhali sands range from 8.8 to 9.4. The data confirm that Arabian sands are derived mainly from early Paleozoic sandstones, with subordinate contributions from late Paleozoic and Mesozoic sandstones. They also highlight the role that sediment homogenization plays in narrowing QCI values of AlRub'AlKhali sands. Highest and lowest QCI values raise questions about the role of chert in controlling of QCI values of Arabian sands and sandstones. Arabian sandstones of Late Ordovician, Late Devonian, Late Permian, Late Triassic, and Cretaceous age possess the highest QCI values (>9.5). These time intervals coincide with lower abundances of siliceous sponges, and therefore fewer potential sources of chertification/silicification. Cambrian sandstones and Quaternary sands possess the lowest QCI values (

A review of the Afrotropical species of the genus Sculptolobus Yang, van Achterberg & Chen, 2008 is presented. One species, S. leleji sp. nov., and one subspecies, S. lembaensis harteni ssp. nov., are described. New combinations are proposed for S. bipustulatus (Szépligeti, 1913), comb. nov., S. lembaensis (Cameron, 1912), comb. nov., S. somnialis (Szépligeti, 1913), comb. nov., S. suavis (Szépligeti, 1918), comb. nov., and S. subellipticus (Granger, 1949), comb. nov. Lectotypes are designated for S. lembaensis and S. suavis. For all species descriptions and illustrations are provided together with a diagnostic key.

Jabal Al-Ward is one of the Hijazi mountains situated between Al-Ulā and Al-Wajh, southwest Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia’s northwesterly border region. It is considered the highest mountain in this area and is enriched in wildlife. For the first time, the present research aimed to investigate the floristic composition, phytogeographical distribution, and plant diversity in Jabal Al-Ward. One hundred ninety-eight species representing 47 plant families have been identified. The Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae represented more than a third of the region’s floristic composition. The perennial species (53.5%) were dominant over the annuals (46.46%). This is a prominent feature in Jabal Al-Ward, where the perennial species may be more tolerant of climatic changeability than the annuals. Seven life form categories were found; therophytes (46.46%) showed to be the most common life form. In addition, there were four main phytogeographical groups: Mono-regional, Bi-regional, Pluri-regional, and Worldwide. The Mono-regional and Bi-regional categories had the highest participation, with 38.5% and 37.4%, respectively. Thirty-six species (18.2%) were found to be native to the Saharo-Arabian region. The Saharo-Arabian region was combined with eight more regions, including Saharo-Arabian/Sudano-Zambesian (12.6%), Irano-Turanian/Saharo-Arabian (9.1%), Mediterranean/Saharo-Arabian (5.6%), Irano-Turanian/Mediterranean/Saharo-Arabian (4.5%), Irano-Turanian/Saharo-Arabian/Sudano-Zambesian (2%), Euro-Siberian/Irano-Turanian/Mediterranean/Saharo-Arabian and Saharo-Arabian/Sudanian (1% each), Mediterranean/Saharo-Arabian/Sudano-Zambesian, and Irano-Turanian/Mediterranean/Saharo-Arabian/Saharo-Zambesian (0.5% each). The current study demonstrated the highest species richness compared to earlier research on various locations in Tabuk Province. In future work, the species and endemic richness along elevation gradients should be studied in Jabal Al-Ward. As well as the IUCN status of each taxon, the DNA barcoding of endangered species will be of great significance if applied in the surveyed area.

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.

Ponencia presentada en línea en el 54th Seminar for Arabian Studies, sesión: Intellectual links: language, law, theology and culture in Jazirat al-‘Arab and Jazirat al-Andalus, 2-4 and 9-11 July 2021.

The present study shows an updated synoptic list of the 30 known Isoptera of the Arabian Peninsula which are classified under four families and nine genera. Twenty-seven species are hitherto known from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The present inventory of the termites of Riyadh Province (KSA) indicated three species, Anacanthotermes ochraceous (Burmeister 1839), Psammotermes hypostoma Desneux, 1902 and a rare species, Coptotermes heimi (Wasmann 1902). We present an illustrated key to species based on the soldier caste. Anacanthotermes ochraceous, and P. hypostoma are widely distributed Palearctic species whereas C. heimi seems rare and is a new record for KSA. Distribution maps for the three species are provided based on recently collected material and literature records and remarks on species habitat preference are given.

The lacertid lizards of the genus Mesalina inhabit the arid regions of the Old World, from North Africa to NW India. Of the 19 recognized species within the genus, eleven occur in Arabia. In this study, we explore the genetic variability and phylogeographic patterns of the less studied M. adramitana group from southern Arabia and the Socotra Archipelago within the phylogenetic and biogeographic context of the entire genus. Our unprecedented sampling extends the distribution ranges of most Mesalina species and, for the first time, sequences of M. ayunensis are included in a phylogenetic analysis. We perform analyses of concatenated multilocus datasets and species trees, conduct species delimitation analyses, and estimate divergence times within a biogeographic framework. Additionally, we inferred the environmental suitability and identified dispersal corridors through which gene flow is enabled within M. adramitana. Our results show that the Socotra Archipelago was colonized approximately 7 Mya by a single oversea colonization from mainland Arabia. Then, an intra-archipelago dispersal event that occurred approximately 5 Mya resulted in the speciation between M. balfouri, endemic to Socotra, Samha and Darsa Islands, and M. kuri, endemic to Abd al Kuri Island. Similar to previous studies, we uncovered high levels of genetic diversity within the M. adramitana species-group, with two highly divergent lineages of M. adramitana living in allopatry and adapted to locally specific climatic conditions that necessitate further investigation., All efforts were made to minimize animal suffering. All collecting and export permits were issued by the Nature Conservation Department of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Oman (Refs: 08/2005; 16/2008; 38/2010; 12/2011; 13/2013; 21/2013; 37/2014; 31/2016). This work was supported by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain (co-funded by FEDER) under grant numbers CGL2012-36970 and CGL2015-70390-P; Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs under Grant number 22412027; Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca del Departament d’Economia i Coneixement de la Generalitat de Catalunya under grant number 2017-SGR-00991. MSR was funded by an FPI grant from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain (BES-2013-064248). JS was funded by the Czech Science Foundation (GACR, project number 18-15286Y) and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic (DKRVO 2019–2023/6.VII.a, 00023272).

The thaler of the queen and empress Maria Theresa, minted in her last regnal year of 1780, is one of the most famous silver coins in the world. Thaler is a type of large silver coin (around 40 mm in diameter, weighing around 30 g) that was used throughout Europe for almost 400 years. Because of its high quality and beautiful craftsmanship, the thaler of Maria Theresa was in use as a trade coin from 1780 until as recently as the 1960s., Talir Marije Terezije iz 1780. jedan je od najpoznatijih srebrnjaka na svijetu. Radi se o taliru – vrsti srebrnoga kovanoga novca, promjera oko 40 mm i težine oko 30 g, koji se koristio u Europi od 16. do druge polovice 19. stoljeća. Talir Marije Terezije iz 1780., zbog svoje kakvoće i estetskoga izgleda bio je omiljeno platežno sredstvo na Levantu, Arapskom poluotoku i Istočnoj Africi. Osim što je bio trgovačka kovanica, talir Marije Terezije je u Etiopiji (do 1945.) i zemljama Arapskog poluotoka zbog svoje popularnosti bio i legalno platežno sredstvo (Saudijska Arabija, Kuvajt, Emirati, Sultanat Muscat i Oman do 1959., Jemen (1924. - 1960.), britanska krunska kolonija Aden (do 1961.).

Background Tapinoma Foerster belongs to the ant subfamily Dolichoderinae and the vast majority of its species are arboreal or generalised foragers. The genus is composed of 70 described species, 22 known subspecies and six valid fossil species worldwide, while from the Arabian Peninsula, three species have been recorded so far. New information Ants of the genus Tapinoma of the Arabian Peninsula are reviewed, keyed and illustrated, based on the worker caste. Three species are diagnosed, T. melanocephalum (Fabricius, 1793), T. simrothi Krausse, 1911 and T. wilsoni Sharaf & Aldawood, 2012. We present the first illustrated key to the Arabian Tapinoma, enhanced by automontage images to facilitate species recognition. New distributional data for species are presented, based on recently-collected material from the region and literature records. Information on habitats' preference and biology of species are given.

The Arabian Peninsula is strategic for investigations centered on the early structuring of modern humans in the wake of the out-of-Africa migration. Despite its poor climatic conditions for the recovery of ancient human DNA evidence, the availability of both genomic data from neighboring ancient specimens and informative statistical tools allow modeling the ancestry of local modern populations. We applied this approach to a data set of 741,000 variants screened in 291 Arabians and 78 Iranians, and obtained insightful evidence. The west-east axis was a strong forcer of population structure in the Peninsula, and, more importantly, there were clear continuums throughout time linking western Arabia with the Levant, and eastern Arabia with Iran and the Caucasus. Eastern Arabians also displayed the highest levels of the basal Eurasian lineage of all tested modern-day populations, a signal that was maintained even after correcting for a possible bias due to a recent sub-Saharan African input in their genomes. Not surprisingly, eastern Arabians were also the ones with highest similarity with Iberomaurusians, who were, so far, the best proxy for the basal Eurasians amongst the known ancient specimens. The basal Eurasian lineage is the signature of ancient non-Africans who diverged from the common European-eastern Asian pool before 50,000 years ago, prior to the later interbred with Neanderthals. Our results appear to indicate that the exposed basin of the Arabo-Persian Gulf was the possible home of basal Eurasians, a scenario to be further investigated by searching ancient Arabian human specimens.

This study systematically catalogues all known taxa of the family Stratiomyidae in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It is one in a series of planned studies aiming to catalogue the whole order in both countries. Twenty species, belonging to seven genera and three subfamilies (Pachygastrinae, Stratiomyinae and Nemotelinae), are treated. One of these genera, Oplodontha and two species, Oplodontha pulchriceps Loew and Oxycera turcica Üstüner & Hasbenli, are recorded herein for the first time from Saudi Arabia. A lectotype for Nemotelus matrouhensis Mohammad et al., 2009 is designated. An updated classification, synonymies, type localities, world and local distributions, dates of collection and some coloured photographs are provided.

Background The present study is one in a series of planned studies aiming to catalogue the whole order Diptera in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia. New information All known Egyptian and Saudi Arabian conopid taxa are systematically catalogued in the present study. Three species are recorded herein for the first time from Saudi Arabia: Conops (Asiconops) elegans Meigen, 1804 and Thecophora atra (Fabricius, 1775) (Al-Baha region, south-western of Saudi Arabia), and Conops (Conops) quadrifasciatus De Geer, 1776 (Tabuk region, north-western of Saudi Arabia). Physocephala variegata (Meigen, 1924) is also recorded for the first time from Gebel Elba, the south-eastern triangle of Egypt. Considering that Gebel Elba in Egypt and Al-Baha in Saudi Arabia are affiliated to the Afrotropical Region, this is the first time Physocephala variegata and Thecophora atra have been recorded from the Afrotropical Region. An updated taxonomy, world and local distributions, dates of collection and some coloured photographs are provided.

Cloeon perkinsi was described from South Africa in 1932 by Barnard. Despite being relatively common in Africa, it was mentioned in the literature quite rarely, and its known distribution to date includes most of sub-Saharan Africa. Material collected recently in Ethiopia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen extends its distribution in East Africa, Arabian Peninsula and the Levant. We examined this material, and provide a re-description of adults (females and males) and nymphs of the species. It represents a much-needed urge mainly due to inconsistencies in literature reports regarding colouration, and sometimes incomplete morphological description of all stages. We demonstrate the intraspecific morphological variability that we have witnessed, and provide information regarding the range of habitats colonised by C. perkinsi. Based on geological and climatic history of the studied region, taken together with among countries genetic distances of the mitochondrial barcoding gene COI, we propose colonisation mechanisms for the north-easternmost limit of distribution. The fragmented distribution pattern of the species highlights the conservation importance of isolated aquatic habitats in the region, as well as current knowledge gaps.

Data from a moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer instrument onboard the Terra satellite along with a radiative transfer model and a machine learning technique were integrated to predict direct solar irradiance on a horizontal surface over the Arabian Peninsula (AP). In preparation for building appropriate residual network (ResNet) prediction models, we conducted some exploratory data analysis (EDA) and came to some conclusions. We noted that aerosols in the atmosphere correlate with solar irradiance in the eastern region of the AP, especially near the coastlines of the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. We also found low solar irradiance during March 2016 and March 2017 in the central (~20% less) and eastern regions (~15% less) of the AP, which could be attributed to the high frequency of dust events during those months. Compared to other locations in the AP, high solar irradiance was recorded in the Rub Al Khali desert during winter and spring. The effect of major dust outbreaks over the AP during March 2009 and March 2012 was also noted. The EDA indicated a correlation between high aerosol loading and a decrease in solar irradiance. The analysis showed that the Rub Al Khali desert is one of the best locations in the AP to harvest solar radiation. The analysis also showed the ResNet prediction model achieves high test accuracy scores, indicated by a mean absolute error of ~0.02, a mean squared error of ~0.005, and an R2 of 0.99.

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.

The Dhofar governorate of Oman (‘Dhofar’) is largely desert with a mainly arid climate. It contains an Afrotropical escarpment region influenced by monsoon precipitation. We summarise published records of odonates for Dhofar, organised by four natural regions, present our unpublished photographic records for 23 sites according to these regions and produce a Dhofar apparent-status statement for most odonate species. Records for the regionally Endangered Urothemis thomasi and regionally Endangered Acisoma variegatum and regionally Least Concern Paragomphus sinaiticus are discussed.

The genusCrematogasteris one of the most species-rich and widespread groups of ants. Despite their often-high local abundance and important ecological interactions, the taxonomy of the genus is fragmentary and in great need of modern revisionary studies. As a first step towards a revision for the Arabian fauna ofCrematogaster, a review of all known species with synoptic species accounts is provided. Seventeen species are recognized and illustrated from the Arabian Peninsula, of which two new species are described:C. jacindaeSharaf & Hita Garcia,sp. nov.from the Dhofar Governorate, Oman, andC. gryllsiSharaf & Hita Garcia,sp. nov.from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) based on the worker caste.Crematogaster jacindaesp. nov.is easily separated from the remainder of the ArabianCrematogasterfauna due to its complete lack of propodeal spines, slit-shaped propodeal spiracles, and its distinct bicoloration, whereasC. gryllsisp. nov.is readily distinguished by its unlobed postpetiolar dorsum. Furthermore, new country records are presented:C. acaciaeForel for the KSA and Yemen, andC. delagoensisForel andC. jehovaeForel for the KSAC. antarisfor Qatar, whereasC. luctansForel is excluded from the Arabian fauna. In addition, on the basis of morphological examination of original type material,C. affabilisForel is proposed as junior synonym ofC. chiariniiMayr, andC. striaticepsis elevated to species rankstat. nov.Furthermore, a new identification key for the Arabian species is provided, as well as distribution maps for all species.

The State of Qatar is a small peninsula which located in the northeast part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is classified as a subtropical desert with a very extreme harsh climatic conditions in summer and mild winter. Information on Formicidae of Qatar as well as insect fauna is poorly documented, so far only seven species of Formicidae (ants) belonging to five genera have been recorded from Qatar; Brachyponera sennaarensis (Mayr, 1862), Cataglyphis niger (André, 1881), Camponotus maculatus (Fabricius, 1782), Monomorium tumaire (Collingwood and Agosti, 1996), M. pharaonis (Linnaeus, 1758), Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon, 1851) and Trichomyrmex mayri (Forel, 1902) (Abdu and Shaumar, 1985; Abushama, 1997; Lush, 2009; Wetterer, 2013 and Sharaf et al., 2016). At least 300 ant species have been recorded from Arabian Peninsula (Collingwood et al., 2011). For instance, Collingwood and Agosti (1996) reported a list of 265 ant species in Saudi Arabia. Collingwood et al. (2011) published a list of more than 120 ant species in UAE. Sharaf et al., (2017) recorded 28 ant species from the Socotra Archipelago, and Sharaf et al., (2018) recorded 123 ant species from Oman. This indicates a significant gap regarding our knowledge on the ant fauna and their diversity in Qatar. In this study ant specimens were collected by using aspirator, direct hand collection, litter sifting and pitfall traps during the period of April 2015 to March 2019 from different sites around the country. In the present study 44 species are newly recorded for the ant fauna of the state of Qatar. By including the present records, the total number of ant species from Qatar has increased to 51 species, including three additional families, 17 additional genera and 44 new species records from Qatar. This study provides the first taxonomic survey of the ant fauna of Qatar. Future investigations will add more information on family Formicidae fauna of this country. (QU, NHMBE)

The trace metal geochemistry of atmospheric dust and terrestrial surface particles were studied on the Qatar Peninsula from February 2014 to November 2015. We included samples of the mega dust-storm event on 01–02 April 2015. Atmospheric dust samples were collected using passive dust traps. Terrestrial surface deposits of recent dust accumulation and traffic particulate from roads were also sampled. All samples were total acid digested and analyzed for major and trace elements using ICP-OES analyzer. The concentration of thirteen elements (Ca, Mg, Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Se, Sn, Sr, Zn) were enriched in atmospheric dust samples, relative to upper continental crust (UCC). Calcium was especially enriched by up to 435% relative to UCC. About 33% of the total sample mass was CaCO3, reflecting the composition of surface rocks and soils in the source areas. Of the elements typically associated with anthropogenic activity, Ag, Ni, and Zn were most enriched relative to UCC, with enrichment factors (EF) of 182%, 233%, and 209%, respectively. Other metals, which normally reflect anthropogenic sources, including Pb and V, were not significantly enriched, with enrichment factors of 25% and 3%, respectively. Major elements (Al, Mn, Fe) were depleted (−58%, −35%, and −5%, respectively) relative to UCC due to the large dilution effect of the enrichment of CaCO3. Back trajectories were determined at the date of sampling for each sample using the NOAA HYSPLIT model. These showed that the source of the dust particles was almost equally divided between northerly and southerly sources, except one sample, which appeared to originate from the west. More variability in particle source locations were observed during the winter months (October to March). Samples from the mega-dust storm were solubilized using an acetic acid-hydroxylamine hydrochloride leach procedure to obtain an upper estimate of the potential contribution of bioactive elements to surface seawater. The leach procedure solubilized a significant fraction of almost all elements. Ca was the element most affected (81% removed) because of the carbonate minerals present. Bioactive elements like Fe (25%) and P (58%) were also significantly solubilized. Because river input is so small to the Arabian Gulf, this solubilized fraction of dust is likely a major source of nutrients to surface seawater. Enrichment factors were also calculated with respect to the average composition of terrestrial surface deposits (TSD). Samples are not enriched significantly with respect to major components (EF

The ephemeral or annual mosses Entosthodon fascicularis (Funariaceae), Microbryum starckeanum (Pottiaceae) and Pohlia melanodon (Mniaceae) were found in the understorey of natural Ziziphus nummularia shrubland in Qatar. These are the first records of bryophytes from the Qatar Peninsula, hence bridging the distribution gap on the Arabian Peninsula. Their site ecology, establishment and habitat maintenance conditions in the desert landscape of Umm Al Shukhoot are discussed.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a poorly understood disorder. It is primarily autosomal recessive and is prevalent in tribal communities of the United Arab Emirates due to consanguineous marriages. This retrospective study aimed to assess the pathogenicity of the genetic variants of PCD in indigenous patients with significant clinical respiratory problems. Pathogenicity scores of variants obtained from the chart review were consolidated using the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor. The multidimensional dataset of scores was clustered into three groups based on their pathogenicity. Sequence alignment and the Jensen–Shannon Divergence (JSD) were generated to evaluate the amino acid conservation at the site of the variation. One-hundred and twelve variants of 28 genes linked to PCD were identified in 66 patients. Twenty-two variants were double heterozygous, two triple heterozygous, and seven homozygous. Of the thirteen novel variants, two, c.11839 + 1G &gt, A in dynein, axonemal, heavy chain 11 (DNAH11) and p.Lys92Trpfs in dynein, axonemal, intermediate chain 1 (DNAI1) were associated with dextrocardia with situs inversus, and one, p.Gly21Val in coiled-coil domain-containing protein 40 (CCDC40), with absent inner dynein arms. Homozygous C1orf127:p.Arg113Ter (rs558323413) was also associated with laterality defects in two related patients. The majority of variants were missense involving conserved residues with a median JSD score of 0.747. Homology models of two deleterious variants in the stalk of DNAH11, p.Gly3102Asp and p.Leu3127Arg, revealed structural importance of the conserved glycine and leucine. These results define potentially damaging PCD variants in the region. Future studies, however, are needed to fully comprehend the genetic underpinnings of PCD.

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.

The Arabian Peninsula is a region characterized by diverse climatic conditions due to its location and geomorphological characteristics. Its precipitation patterns are characterized by very low annual amounts with great seasonal and spatial variability. Moreover, extreme events often lead to flooding and pose threat to human life and activities. Towards a better understanding of the spatiotemporal features of precipitation in the region, a thirty-year (1986-2015) climatic analysis has been prepared with the aid of the state-of-the-art numerical modeling system RAMS/ICLAMS. Its two-way interactive nesting capabilities, explicit cloud microphysical schemes with seven categories of hydrometeors and the ability to handle dust aerosols as predictive quantities are significant advantages over an area where dust is a dominant factor. An extended evaluation based on in situ measurements and satellite records revealed a good model behavior. The analysis was performed in three main components, the mean climatic characteristics, the rainfall trends and the extreme cases. The extremes are analyzed under the principles of the extreme value theory, focusing not only on the duration but also on the intensity of the events. The annual and monthly rainfall patterns are investigated and discussed. The spatial distribution of the precipitation trends revealed insignificant percentage differences in the examined period. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the eastern part and the top half of the western Arabian Peninsula presented the lowest risk associated with extreme events. Apart from the pure scientific interest, the present study provides useful information for different sectors of society and economy, such as civil protection, constructions and reinsurance.

Newly collected ammonoid material from the uppermost Cretaceous portion of the Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation exposed some 30 km southeast of the Qasr Al’Harrana area (east-central Jordan) includes medium-sized baculitids (Baculites ovatus auctorum, non Say), the sphenodiscid Libycoceras acutodorsatus (Noetling) and the pachydiscids Menuites fresvillensis (Seunes) and Pachydiscus (Pachydiscus) dossantosi (Maury). Of the two last named taxa, the former is a good marker species for the upper Maastrichtian, with records from Europe, central Chile, South India, Baluchistan (Pakistan), Australia, Madagascar and South Africa. The latter is known from the United Arab Emirates/Oman border area, from strata of (late) early to early late Maastrichtian age, as well as from more poorly constrained Maastrichtian levels in Brazil and Nigeria. A comparison with ammonoid assemblages from the Maastrichtian type area (southeast Netherlands/northeast Belgium) suggests correlation of the Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation with the middle/upper Maastricht Formation (Emael and Nekum members, ca 66.5–66.1 Ma) and the upper part of the coeval Kunrade Formation. However, associated ‘tegulated’ inoceramids of the Tenuipteria argentea group from the Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation favour equivalence with a higher level of the Maastrichtian type area, i.e., the Meerssen Member. From the upper Maastricht Formation and the equivalent upper part of the Kunrade Formation, the following mosasaur genera are currently known: Mosasaurus, Prognathodon, Plioplatecarpus and Carinodens. Interestingly, coeval strata of the Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation in east-central Jordan have yielded remains of a largely comparable suite comprising Prognathodon, Mosasaurus, Carinodens and an unnamed, highly derived plioplatecarpine.

The first list of insects of Al-Baha Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was published in 2013 and contained a total of 582 species; an addendum to this list was published in 2015 adding 142 species and bringing the total number recorded from the province to 724 insect species representing 17 orders. The previous two studies excluded Jabal Shada al-A’la Nature Reserve (SANR), so the present study in SANR, as belonging to Al-Baha Province, are complementary to the previous two. The present study presents a preliminary list of Diptera (Insecta) in SANR, with remarks on their zoogeography, and is the first of a series of planned ecological and systematic studies on different insect orders as one of the outputs of a project proposed to study the entire insect fauna of SANR. A total number of 119 Diptera species belonging to 87 genera, 31 tribes, 42 subfamilies, and representing 30 families has been recorded from SANR in the present study. Some species have been identified only to the genus level and listed herein only because this is the first time to record their genera in KSA. Fourteen of the species are recorded for the first time for KSA, namely: Forcipomyia sahariensis Kieffer, 1923 [Ceratopogonidae]; Chaetosciara sp. [Sciaridae]; Neolophonotus sp.1; Neolophonotus sp.2; Promachus sinaiticus Efflatoun, 1934; Saropogon longicornis (Macquart, 1838); Saropogon sp. [Asilidae]; Spogostylum tripunctatum (Pallas in Wiedemann, 1818) [Bombyliidae]; Phycus sp. [Therevidae]; Hemeromyia sp.; Meoneura palaestinensis Hennig, 1937 [Carnidae]; Desmometopa inaurata Lamb, 1914 [Milichiidae]; Stomoxys niger Macquart, 1851 [Muscidae]; and Sarcophaga palestinensis (Lehrer, 1998) [Sarcophagidae]. Zoogeographic affinities of recorded fly species suggest a closer affiliation to the Afrotropical region (46%) than to the Palearctic region (23.5%) or the Oriental region (2.5%). This supports the previous studies’ conclusions and emphasizes the fact that parts of the Arabian Peninsula, including Al-Baha Province, ought to be a part of the Afrotropical Region rather than of the Palaearctic Region or the Eremic Zone.

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are single-humped animals found throughout the deserts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the southwest of Asia. This well-adapted species is mainly used for milk and meat production, although some specific types exhibit superior running performance and are used in racing competitions. However, neither performance nor production camels are bred under intensive genomic selection programmes with specific aims to improve these traits. In this study, the full genome sequence data of six camels from the Arabian Peninsula and the genotyping-by-sequencing data of 44 camels (29 packing and 15 racing) from Sudan were analysed to assess their genome diversities, relationships and candidate signatures of positive selection. Genome admixture and principle component analyses indicate clear geographic separation between the Sudanese and the Arabian Peninsula camels, but with no population-specific genetic distinction within populations. Camel samples from the Arabian Peninsula show higher mean heterozygosity (0.560 ± 0.003)than those from Sudan (0.347 ± 0.003). Analyses of signatures of selection, using pooled heterozygosity (Hp) approach, in the Sudanese camels revealed 176, 189 and 308 candidate regions under positive selection in the combined, packing and racing camel populations, respectively. These regions host genes that might be associated with adaptation to arid environment, dairy traits, energy homeostasis and chondrogenesis. Eight regions show high genetic differentiation, based on Fst analysis, between the Sudanese packing and racingcamel types. Genes associated with chondrogenesis, energy balance and urinary system development were found within these regions. Our results advocate for further detailed investigation of the genome of the dromedary camel to identify and characterize genes and variants associated with their valuable phenotypic traits. The results of which may support the development of breeding programmes to improve the production and performance traits ofthis unique domesticated species.

The Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) is widely distributed across the Indian and western Pacific Oceans and consists of about 50 subspecies. Two different subspecies of T. chloris occur in the Arabian Peninsula: T. c. abyssinicus from the Red Sea coast and T. c. kalbaensis from the Arabian Sea coast in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular relationship between the two Arabian subspecies and to establish the first DNA barcodes from the Arabian Peninsula for this species. Three different mitochondrial genes were used: (i) cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), (ii) 12S rRNA (12S) and (iii) NADH dehydrogenase-1 (ND1). The COI gene sequences of the two subspecies were 100% identical, while the 12S and ND1 gene sequences revealed a unique single nucleotide variation between the two subspecies. Thus, this single nucleotide variation can be used as a DNA barcode to discriminate between two subspecies. Furthermore, the genetic profile or fingerprint for both subspecies were compared using ten primers of the highly polymorphic nuclear markers (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat, ISSR). As expected, the DNA analysis of the ISSR markers was able to distinguish between the specimens of the two subspecies. These results suggest that T. c. abyssinicus and T. c. kalbaensis are not identical and thus belong to different subspecies. Besides, the sequences of the COI gene for T. c. abyssinicus and T. c. kalbaensis differs by only 1.28% from T. sanctus suggesting that the Arabian subspecies are closely related to the Sacred Kingfisher (T. sanctus).

The ant genus Solenopsis Westwood, 1840 is the largest in Myrmicinae subfamily having almost 200 described species worldwide. They are commonly distributed in the tropics and temperate areas of the world. Some invasive Solenopsis species are very dreadful. We have already reported a fire ant species, Solenopsis saudiensis Sharaf & Aldawood, 2011, identified using traditional morphometric approaches of species identification. Present study was carried out to develop DNA Barcoding to identify Solenopsis saudiensis and to elucidate genetic structure of the various S. saudiensis populations across their distribution range in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The comparison of DNA barcodes showed no genetic diversity among six populations and a queen from S. saudiensis analyzed from the Riyadh region. This genetic resemblance probably reflects their adaptation toward a specific habitat, thus constituting a single and strong gene pool. Our comprehensive field survey did not provide any evidence of Solenopsis species except S. saudiensis in the Riyadh region. Solenopsis saudiensis populations were only found around date palm trees indicating their strong association with date palm groves. Moreover, S. saudiensis has 83–86% sequence identity to other Solenopsis spp. from other parts of the world. Interestingly, the highest sequence identity of (86%) was with that of Solenopsis molesta Say, 1836, the thief ant, from the USA. This study provides a working laboratory procedure and a reference library for the identification of Solenopsis saudiensis.

The Arabian Peninsula (AP) was an important crossroad between Africa, Asia, and Europe, being the cradle of the structure defining these main human population groups, and a continuing path for their admixture. The screening of 741,000 variants in 420 Arabians and 80 Iranians allowed us to quantify the dominant sub-Saharan African admixture in the west of the peninsula, whereas South Asian and Levantine/European influence was stronger in the east, leading to a rift between western and eastern sides of the Peninsula. Dating of the admixture events indicated that Indian Ocean slave trade and Islamization periods were important moments in the genetic makeup of the region. The western–eastern axis was also observable in terms of positive selection of diversity conferring lactose tolerance, with the West AP developing local adaptation and the East AP acquiring the derived allele selected in European populations and existing in South Asia. African selected malaria resistance through the DARC gene was enriched in all Arabian genomes, especially in the western part. Clear European influences associated with skin and eye color were equally frequent across the Peninsula.

Four new species of the tribe Clytrini Kirby, 1837, Labidostomis bcharrensis sp. nov. (Lebanon), Tituboea friedmani sp. nov. (Israel), Tituboea harteni sp. nov. (United Arab Emirates) and Tituboea radeki sp. nov. (Yemen, Oman), and the formerly unknown females of Labidostomis damavandensis Rapilly, 1984 and Saudiclytra wittmeri Medvedev, 1979 are described. The following new synonyms are proposed: Coptocephala coptocephaloides (Lacordaire, 1848) = Coptocephala furthi Medvedev, 1992 syn. nov., Labidostomis rufa (Waltl, 1838) = Labidostomis rufa (Lacordaire, 1848) syn. nov., Tituboea olivieri (Lacordaire, 1848) = Tituboea femoralis Medvedev, 1962 syn. nov., Saudiclytra wittmeri (Medvedev, 1979) = Saudiclytra spinifemorata Medvedev, El Torkey & Al Dhafer, 2014 syn. nov. A neotype is designated for Clythra ( Tituboea ) olivieri Lacordaire, 1848. Tituboea decemguttata Walker, 1871 is considered as nomen dubium. The variability of the elytral pattern of Afrophthalma arabica (Bryant, 1957) is delimited. New country records and comments on distribution of Clytrini species from the eastern Mediterranean, the Near East and the Arabian Peninsula are presented.

The first case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was identified in the year 2012, which spread rapidly and increased to more than 2200 in 2018. This highly pathogenic virus with high mortality rate is among one of the major public health concerns. Saudi Arabia remains to be the most affected region with the majority of MERS-CoV cases, and currently, no effective drugs and vaccines are available for prevention and treatment. A large amount of information is now available regarding the virus, its structure, route of transmission and its pathophysiology. Therefore, this review summarizes the current understanding of MERS-CoV's pathogenesis, treatment options and recent scientific advancements in vaccine and other therapeutic developments, and the major steps taken for MERS prevention control.

Buprestidae beetles are herbivorous and often strictly associated with their host plant. The knowledge of Buprestidae from Oman is still incipient. Less than 25 species of Buprestidae are reported from Oman so far and this indicates the large blank in our knowledge in this family when compared to recorded species from other neighboring countries in the Arabian Peninsula. In this paper, seven species from four genera and three subfamilies are being new records for Oman. The number of new records in Agrilinae subfamily are four species (Agrilus (Diplolophotus) desertus (Klug, 1829), Agrilus (Micragrilus) lituratus (Klug, 1829), Agrilus purpuratus (Klug, 1829), Agrilus (Agrilomorpha) venosus Gory & Laporte, 1837, two from Buprestinae (Chrysobothris (Chrysobothris) parvipunctata Obenberger, 1914, Melanophila cuspidata (Klug, 1829)) and one from Chrysochroinae (Paratassa arabica Bílý & Volkovitsh, 1996).

A better understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of water resources is crucial for the sustainable development of hyper-arid regions. Here, we focus on the Arabian Peninsula (AP) and use remotely sensed data to (i) analyze the local climatology of total water storage (TWS), precipitation, and soil moisture; (ii) characterize their temporal variability and spatial distribution; and (iii) infer recent trends and change points within their time series. Remote sensing data for TWS, precipitation, and soil moisture are obtained from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E), respectively. The study relies on trend analysis, the modified Mann–Kendall test, and change point detection statistics. We first derive 10-year (2002–2011) seasonal averages from each of the datasets and intercompare their spatial organization. In the absence of large-scale in situ data, we then compare trends from GRACE TWS retrievals to in situ groundwater observations locally over the subdomain of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). TWS anomalies vary between −6.2 to 3.2 cm/month and −6.8 to −0.3 cm/month during the winter and summer periods, respectively. Trend analysis shows decreasing precipitation trends (−2.3 × 10−4 mm/day) spatially aligned with decreasing soil moisture trends (−1.5 × 10−4 g/cm3/month) over the southern part of the AP, whereas the highest decreasing TWS trends (−8.6 × 10−2 cm/month) are recorded over areas of excessive groundwater extraction in the northern AP. Interestingly, change point detection reveals increasing precipitation trends pre- and post-change point breaks over the entire AP region. Significant spatial dependencies are observed between TRMM and GRACE change points, particularly over Yemen during 2010, revealing the dominant impact of climatic changes on TWS depletion.

The Carabidae family has a cosmopolitan distribution and form one of the most diverse and abundant group of insects. These beetles play an important role in ecosystems as bioindicators in habitat management, landscape ecology, conservation, pollution, climatic changes and soil characteristics. The knowledge of Carabidae from Oman is still not well studied. Only 44 species of Carabidae are reported from Oman so far and this indicates the large blank in our knowledge in this family when compared to recorded species from other neighboring countries in the Arabian Peninsula. A total of 37 specimens were collected, and 10 species from 10 genera and 4 subfamilies are being new records for Oman. The sampling was conducted by light traps and by hand. All reported species were collected from northern Oman (Wadi Alkoudh- Oman botanical garden-, Samad Ashan and Wadi beni Khalid). The vegetation was rich with the Leguminosae, Asteraceae and Poaceae. Most species were collected during autumn from wadi habitat. The carabid fauna was dominated by the Lebiinae and Harpalinae with 8 species. The species belong to Lebiinae are four species (Tetragonoderus arcuatus Dejean, 1829, Microlestes discoidalis (Fairmaire, 1892), Metadromius ephippiatus (Fairmaire, 1884) , Singilis persicus (Jedlička, 1961)), four from Harpalinae (Crasodactylus punctatus Guérin-Ménéville, 1847, Amara maindroni Bedel, 1907, Amblystomus orpheus LaFerté-Sénectère, 1853, Zuphium olens P. Rossi), one species from Trechinae (Elaphropus babaulti (Andrewes, 1924)) and one from Scaritinae (Dyschirius schaumi (Putzeys,1866)).

Interest in politics is an important ingredient in the formation of civil society, which in turn provides the basis for good governance. Existing research has not clarified drivers of political interest with respect to females in the Arabian Peninsula. This article investigates the gender gap in political interest in the context of the State of Qatar, incorporating factors such as education, income, and marital status as well as age and generational effects. It also incorporates religiosity, beliefs about traditional gender roles, and the impact of social media and Twitter usage as predictors of political interest. Nationally representative survey data from the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute from 2011 to 2014 are used to examine attitudes of political interest. Analysis indicates that gender gaps are persistent in spite of significant progress made by women in this area. Education and age are consistent predictors of political interest, followed by weaker positive effects for social media activity.

Objectives: Genetic and archaeological research supports the theory that Arabia was the first region traversed bymodern humans as they left Africa and dispersed throughout Eurasia. However, the role of Arabia from the initialmigration out of Africa until more recent times is still unclear.Materials and Methods: We have generated 379 new hypervariable segment 1 (HVS-1) sequences from a rangeof geographic locations throughout Yemen. We compare these data to published HVS-1 sequences representing Arabiaand neighboring regions to build a unique dataset of 186 populations and 14,290 sequences.Results: We identify 4,563 haplotypes unevenly distributed across Arabia and neighboring regions. Arabia containshigher proportions of shared haplotypes than the regions with which it shares these haplotypes, suggestinghigh levels of migration through the region. Populations in Arabia show higher levels of population expansion thanthose in East Africa, but lower levels than the Near East, Middle East or India. Arabian populations also show veryhigh levels of genetic variation that overlaps with variation from most other regions.Conclusion: We take a population genetics approach to provide a comprehensive view of the relationships of Arabianand neighboring populations. We show that Arabian populations share closest links to the Near East and NorthAfrica, but have a more ancient origin with slower demographic growth and/or lower migration rates. Our conclusionsare supported by phylogenetic studies but also suggest that recent migrations have erased signals of earlierevents.

An assessment of the Extreme Precipitation Events (EPEs) is important because of their potential impacts on the local livelihood, ecosystem, and water resource management. In the present study, the EPEs are defined by applying a non-parametric (95th percentile) approach over different climatic regions of Saudi Arabia using observed daily precipitation data for the period 1984–2016 obtained from 27 meteorological stations. The frequency, composite and correlation analyses are performed to evaluate the statistics of EPEs and their teleconnections. During the wet season (Nov-Apr), the frequency of the EPEs (≥25 mm/day) are higher over northeastern, central and southwestern coastal parts of Saudi Arabia. The composites and correlation analyses show that the EPEs over Saudi Arabia are associated with mid-latitude circumglobal wave train (CGT), which evolves a few days before the onset of EPEs and decays afterwards. The CGT modulates the upper-level trough over the Arabian Peninsula (AP) along with the surface anomalous low-pressure system that enhances moisture convergence, favoring the occurrence of EPEs over the region. The EPEs over Saudi Arabia are also associated with El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which shows that during the positive (negative) ENSO phase the frequency of EPEs increases (decreases) over the country. Moreover, the El Nino (with positive CGT) enhances the EPEs frequency over Saudi Arabia while vice-versa happens for La Nina (with negative CGT) phase.