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Driving Sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction: A Rapid Review of the Policies and Strategies in Saudi Arabia

Author

Listed:
  • Ahmed M. Al-Wathinani

    (Department of Emergency Medical Services, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Dennis G. Barten

    (Department of Emergency Medicine, VieCuri Medical Center, 5912 BL Venlo, The Netherlands)

  • Marta Borowska-Stefańska

    (Institute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy, University of Lodz, 90-142 Lodz, Poland)

  • Paweł Gołda

    (Faculty of Aviation, Polish Air Force University, 08-521 Dęblin, Poland)

  • Noora A. AlDulijan

    (Human Resources Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam 32253, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohammad A. Alhallaf

    (Department of Emergency Medical Services, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Lujain O. Samarkandi

    (College of Medicine, Al-Maarfa University, Diryah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Abdullah S. Almuhaidly

    (Department of Operational Affairs, Saudi Red Crescent, Riyadh 1135, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mariusz Goniewicz

    (Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical Univeristy of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland)

  • Waleed O. Samarkandi

    (College of Medicine, Al-Maarfa University, Diryah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Krzysztof Goniewicz

    (Department of Security Studies, Polish Air Force University, 08-521 Dęblin, Poland)

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive rapid review of the current disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts in Saudi Arabia, a country exposed to a variety of hazards such as extreme heat, droughts, floods, dust, and sandstorms, along with threats from terrorism and violence. Employing a rapid review approach, our aim was to provide timely insights into DRR strategies, with an emphasis on the unique geographical and socio-political context of Saudi Arabia. This study serves as a valuable reference for similar hazard-prone regions worldwide. Our review encompasses Saudi Arabia’s progress in key areas, such as improving building codes and infrastructure, developing early warning systems, raising public awareness, and strengthening emergency response capabilities. While Saudi Arabia has made commendable strides in implementing international best practices for DRR, our review also identified specific areas where further development and enhancement are needed. These include the need for more sophisticated early warning systems, expanded public awareness campaigns, and continual enhancements in emergency response capabilities. This review offers key insights into the challenges and opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s DRR efforts, highlighting the steps that Saudi Arabia has taken towards resilience. Drawing from specific examples of past disasters, our findings shed light on practical considerations for improving disaster risk management, with the potential to inform policy, enhance public awareness, and contribute to building a safer and more resilient future in Saudi Arabia.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmed M. Al-Wathinani & Dennis G. Barten & Marta Borowska-Stefańska & Paweł Gołda & Noora A. AlDulijan & Mohammad A. Alhallaf & Lujain O. Samarkandi & Abdullah S. Almuhaidly & Mariusz Goniewicz & Wale, 2023. "Driving Sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction: A Rapid Review of the Policies and Strategies in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:14:p:10976-:d:1193082
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zakaria A. Mani & Krzysztof Goniewicz, 2024. "Transforming Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Vision 2030’s Impact," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-23, April.

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