Middle East Insights: Countries take active measures to combat climate change as extreme heat sweeps across the Gulf

Editor's note: Middle East Insights is a special feature series by CMG Middle East station, offering a comprehensive analysis of pivotal regional issues spanning politics, economics, culture and other pertinent fields within the area.

Since June, persistent heatwaves have swept across the Middle East, with temperatures consistently breaking records and posing multifaceted challenges to daily life. In response, governments in the Middle East are actively implementing measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on their regions.

Saudi Arabia: Over a thousand pilgrims deceased

According to data from the Saudi National Meteorological Center, temperatures at the Grand Mosque in Mecca reached 51.8 degrees Celsius on June 17. On June 18, temperatures in and around Mecca also soared to 47 degrees Celsius. Official statistics indicate that over 1.83 million people undertook the pilgrimage to Mecca this year, including more than 1.6 million international pilgrims from 22 countries and approximately 222,000 Saudi citizens.

In anticipation of the extreme heat, the Saudi government issued early warnings, advising pilgrims to use umbrellas and drink plenty of water between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day to minimize health risks associated with the extreme weather.

Not only did the Saudi government provide numerous umbrellas for pilgrims, but it also invested billions of dollars to ensure their safety and health. Temporary hospitals and water stations were established, with over 35,000 medical and administrative personnel offering 24/7 services across 183 hospitals and health centers, as well as six mobile clinics. Additionally, more than a hundred small and large ambulances were stationed in Mina, 5 kilometers east of Mecca, and seven helicopters were deployed for aerial rescues.

Despite these measures, the Saudi Ministry of Health reported that over a thousand pilgrims died due to the extreme heat during this year's pilgrimage. The government noted that many of the deceased were unauthorized pilgrims who had entered Mecca illegally. The sheer number of pilgrims also posed significant challenges to providing medical services.

Saudi Arabia, known for its widespread deserts, is typically burning hot in the summer, with afternoon temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. A study published by Saudi officials in May indicated that, against the backdrop of global warming, temperatures in Mecca are rising by 0.4 degrees Celsius every decade. Addressing heat-related illnesses during the pilgrimage remains a pressing issue for the Saudi government.

The UAE: Extreme heat arrives early

By late June, temperatures in several parts of the UAE had reached or exceeded 50 degrees Celsius, leading to a significant increase in cases of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. According to data released by the UAE National Center of Meteorology on June 26, the highest temperature recorded in Al Ain that day was 50.3 degrees Celsius. Compared to previous years, high temperatures are occurring earlier, more frequently and for longer duration, affecting a wider area and with greater intensity.

In response, the UAE began implementing a midday work ban on June 15, prohibiting workers from engaging in outdoor activities or working under direct sunlight between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. until September 15.

On June 26, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention announced the launch of an initiative to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. The campaign includes first aid training via SMS and social media, on-site visits and awareness activities. Resources to prevent heat exhaustion and related health issues are provided to workers exposed to the sun, raising public awareness about the health risks of high temperatures during the summer peak.

As part of the "Prevent Heat Stroke" campaign, the health department arranged for over 6,000 workers to receive first aid training to handle heat-related illnesses. Additionally, the government, in collaboration with schools, has set up 6,000 rest stations for workers to use during their breaks, equipped with shade, cooling facilities and water.

Kuwait: Power outages amid sweltering heat

In Kuwait, persistently high temperatures have led to a surge in electricity demand, causing power outages in several regions on June 19, which lasted between two and five hours.

On the same day, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy announced temporary power cuts during peak usage hours to ensure grid stability, with each cut lasting about two hours daily. The ministry also urged residents and businesses to conserve electricity between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to alleviate grid stress.

This is the first time oil-rich Kuwait has taken such measures in response to rising temperatures due to climate change.

The Ministry of Electricity cited increased temperatures compared to previous years as the reason for the power cuts, as power plants struggled to meet the heightened demand during peak hours.

On June 20, the ministry released a schedule detailing power outage times for various regions, urging residents to limit electricity use to reduce the load on power plants. Additionally, patrol teams were dispatched to manage power outage issues at traffic signals, and the ministry assured that critical facilities like hospitals would not face power cuts.

Notably, Kuwait, which traditionally does not face power shortages, is now resorting to temporary electricity imports from neighboring Oman and Qatar to ease its power crisis.

In May, Kuwait signed short-term contracts with Oman and Qatar to purchase 300 megawatts and 200 megawatts of electricity, respectively, from June 1 to August 31. Kuwaiti energy expert Kamel Harami, in an interview with the media, stated, "This is just the beginning of the crisis."

He emphasized that Gulf countries need to revamp their energy infrastructure, shifting from a reliance on oil and natural gas to nuclear, solar and wind energy, and accelerating the construction of power plants.

Joint action required

Currently, Middle Eastern countries are calling for unity and cooperation to collectively address extreme weather events, including setting carbon reduction targets and engaging in bilateral or multilateral cooperation. They aim to achieve a series of clean energy cooperation agreements and seek economic development models, particularly transitioning away from fossil fuel industries.

Egypt and the UAE hosted the UN Climate Conference in 2022 and 2023, respectively, highlighting their commitment to tackling climate change and their determination to move away from economies reliant on fossil fuel exports.

In recent years, China has deepened its cooperation with Middle Eastern countries in addressing climate change issues.

Chinese companies actively participate in renewable energy projects such as hydro, wind and solar power in the Middle East. For instance, the Al Dhafra Solar PV Plant in the UAE, constructed by a Chinese company, is the world's largest single-unit photovoltaic power plant, raising the share of clean energy in the UAE's total energy mix to over 13 percent.

Additionally, the Noor III concentrated solar power project in Morocco, also built by a Chinese company, boasts the world's largest single-unit capacity tower-type solar thermal power station, contributing significantly to Morocco's economic green transformation.

The creation of the Noor III concentrated solar power project has won numerous awards at home and abroad.