Validation and statistical analysis of the Group for High Resolution Sea Surface Temperature data in the Arabian Gulf

•An analysis of a 17-year GHRSST-L4 dataset over the Arabian Gulf region was performed.•GHRSST and in situ data were found in good agreement with RMSDs less than 1°C.•Annual mean SST trends of up to 0.08°C/year were estimated in the northern Gulf.•95thpercentile SSTs increased by 0.07°C/year in the western UAE and eastern Qatar.•5thpercentile SSTs decreased by 0.1°C/year near Qatar, Bahrain, and in the western UAE.