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Physical climate risks constitute one of the most significant and complex threats to human wellbeing, economic stability, and infrastructure resilience in the coming decades. For the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries —Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—these risks are projected to increase in severity and frequency. Recent events, such as the April 2024 floods across the Arabian Peninsula, show that extreme weather events are already a reality. Without effective prevention and response measures, these events threaten lives, livelihoods and ecosystems and impose significant economic losses and operational disruptions.

While the GCC countries have actively engaged in international climate efforts and are increasingly addressing climate change transition risks through economic diversification and low-carbon strategies, the physical dimensions of climate-related risk remain comparatively underexamined. This policy report fills that informational gap by providing a targeted analysis of climate-related physical risks in the GCC. It aims to support policymakers in identifying strategic responses to enhance climate resilience, with an emphasis on policy and financing options. Drawing on literature review and expert interviews, the report assesses current vulnerabilities, adaptation measures and finance options, and offers practical recommendations to strengthen adaptation across the region.