220

Participants

5

Scientific Sessions

5

Participating Organizations

2030

Initiative Roadmap

01. Scientific Advances

Review advances in monitoring, modelling, forecasting, and early warning of sand and dust storms.

02. Impact Assessment

Discuss the environmental, health, social, and economic impacts of sand and dust storms.

03. Mitigation and Resilience

Present effective solutions for reducing dust sources, adapting to impacts, and strengthening resilience.

04. International Cooperation

Promote cooperation among scientists, operational agencies, international organizations, and decision-makers.

05. Scientific Recommendations

Develop scientific and practical recommendations to reduce risks associated with sand and dust storms.

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

University of Tehran

International Water Management Institute

National Center for Meteorology

Regional Sand and Dust Storm Center

1

Challenges in Monitoring Dust from Space

Dr. Hamid Al-Badi — National Center for Meteorology

The session highlighted limitations in accurately measuring dust concentrations within the lowest 100 metres of the atmosphere and the need for operational satellite products capable of detecting low-altitude sandstorms.

2

Planning for Dust Hazard and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Middle East

Dr. Ali Darvishi — University of Tehran

The session examined the contribution of anthropogenic activities to global dust emissions and the combined effects of climate change, drought, and water scarcity.

3

PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ Dust in Kuwait: Source Contribution and Oxidative Potential

Dr. Ali Al-Hamoud — Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

The presentation discussed dust deposition rates in Kuwait and the contribution of mineral dust to inhalable particulate matter near industrial areas.

4

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Anthropogenic Dust Sources in Southern Iraq

Dr. Kirobel — International Water Management Institute

The Wiqaya Project introduced a decision-support system based on nature-based land and water management solutions to stabilize soils and mitigate dust sources in southern Iraq.

5

International Sand and Dust Storm Early Warnings Initiative

Dr. Zakia Al-Haji — Regional Sand and Dust Storm Center

The presentation reviewed the Initiative’s transition from global vision to operational implementation, including its Secretariat, funding mechanism, regional centres, and roadmap through 2030.

Enhanced Monitoring

Strengthen regional observation and monitoring systems for sand and dust storm events.

Source Mitigation

Promote sustainable land and water management practices to reduce natural and anthropogenic dust sources.

Joint Regional Action

Strengthen scientific, operational, and institutional cooperation at regional and international levels.

Early Warning Integration

Integrate sand and dust storm warnings into multi-hazard early warning systems.

Give priority to regional research on dust-related air pollution and its effects on public health.

Expand future regional studies to include Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Egypt.

Continue supporting scientific research and studies related to climate change and air quality.

Opening Session

Scientific Presentations

Closing Discussion