The Arabian Gulf, a semi-enclosed basin with a maximum depth of 100m, is connected to the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz. It is characterized by unique ecosystems, which are resilient to the hyper-arid, hyper-saline and highly varying temperature conditions. These extreme conditions give rise to peculiar ocean features in the Gulf, including surface and deep-water circulations, mesoscale eddies, and wind waves. 

This talk will cover a general overview of the Arabian Gulf and its role in the dynamics of Qatar waters, particularly the circulation and waves. In addition, recent studies on sea level rise pertaining to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will be discussed. 

Mangrove forests in the Arabian Gulf are known for their remarkable resilience and flourishing in one of the driest mangrove habitats globally. Recently, the State of Qatar has made several initiatives to restore the mangrove forests along the Qatar coast. A few highlights of such initiatives and the feedback from the field observations will also be discussed.