Assessing the Urban Sustainability Challenges Posed by Sea Level Rise in a Coastal City of Saudi Arabia

Sea level rise (SLR) and coastal flooding are critical climate‐induced impacts affecting coastal regions, further compounded by rapid urbanization and climate change. In Saudi Arabia, although over 3100 km2 of coastal areas are situated at 1 m elevation, little is known about the expected SLR, and its impacts remain uncertain. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by forecasting SLR‐susceptible zones in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA) and proposing necessary adaptation measures. The study utilized satellite imagery and GIS data to compare DMAʹs coastal shoreline in 2014 and 2022, simulate SLR scenarios, and identify potential flood zones based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections. The results indicate that at 0.6 m SLR, 21 km2 of Half‐Moon residential district could experience flooding, while at 1.1 m SLR, 83 km2 of DMA’s total land area could be susceptible to SLR and coastal flooding. The socioeconomic and environmental implications of SLR include flood risks, threats to public health, and infrastructure damage. Therefore, adaptation strategies, such as constructing dikes, seawalls, and accommodations are recommended for SLR‐susceptible zones. The study concludes by advocating for policies that restrict coastal reclamation and related climate change‐induced activities to mitigate the forecasted impacts of SLR and coastal flooding in the study area. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential impacts of SLR on Saudi Arabia’s coastal regions and inform the development of effective adaptation measures to mitigate these impacts.