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<p>There is a limited number of studies examining the economic impact of sand and dust storms (SDS), which are frequent hazards in Western Asia and the Middle East. This research aims to review the sectors affected by SDS in Kuwait, estimate the resulting economic costs, and offer guidance on identifying and collecting missing data. Between 2006 and 2022, the average annual economic impact of SDS in Kuwait was estimated at US$195&#xa0;million (in 2022 dollars). Annual losses ranged from US$14&#xa0;million to US$698&#xa0;million, depending on the number of SDS events each year, which varied from 1 to 22 in the period under study. The most significant impact was observed in the oil production and export sector, given its prominent role in Kuwait’s economy. The airline industry and public works also incurred substantial costs due to SDS. In contrast, agriculture did not appear to be significantly affected, possibly because of greenhouse production and seasonal timing of certain crops that avoids peak SDS periods. However, no comprehensive assessment has been conducted on the effects of SDS on crop cultivation or pastoralism in Kuwait. Other sectors, including education, construction, healthcare, and defense reported qualitative impacts from SDS events, but it was not possible to estimate these costs due to the absence of quantitative data. The research recommends further comprehensive analysis of SDS effects on Kuwait’s economy, utilizing surveys and/or interviews as well as enhanced sectoral data identification and collection to map risks and expected impacts.</p>

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Economic Impact of Sand and Dust Storms in Kuwait

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月1日

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  • Ali Al-Hemoud,
  • Peter R. Tozer,
  • Adel Naseeb,
  • Nick Middleton

摘要

There is a limited number of studies examining the economic impact of sand and dust storms (SDS), which are frequent hazards in Western Asia and the Middle East. This research aims to review the sectors affected by SDS in Kuwait, estimate the resulting economic costs, and offer guidance on identifying and collecting missing data. Between 2006 and 2022, the average annual economic impact of SDS in Kuwait was estimated at US$195 million (in 2022 dollars). Annual losses ranged from US$14 million to US$698 million, depending on the number of SDS events each year, which varied from 1 to 22 in the period under study. The most significant impact was observed in the oil production and export sector, given its prominent role in Kuwait’s economy. The airline industry and public works also incurred substantial costs due to SDS. In contrast, agriculture did not appear to be significantly affected, possibly because of greenhouse production and seasonal timing of certain crops that avoids peak SDS periods. However, no comprehensive assessment has been conducted on the effects of SDS on crop cultivation or pastoralism in Kuwait. Other sectors, including education, construction, healthcare, and defense reported qualitative impacts from SDS events, but it was not possible to estimate these costs due to the absence of quantitative data. The research recommends further comprehensive analysis of SDS effects on Kuwait’s economy, utilizing surveys and/or interviews as well as enhanced sectoral data identification and collection to map risks and expected impacts.