The Arabian Peninsula is a region characterized by diverse climatic
conditions due to its location and geomorphological characteristics. Its
precipitation patterns are characterized by very low annual amounts with
great seasonal and spatial variability. Moreover, extreme events often
lead to flooding and pose threat to human life and activities. Towards a
better understanding of the spatiotemporal features of precipitation in
the region, a thirty-year (1986-2015) climatic analysis has been
prepared with the aid of the state-of-the-art numerical modeling system
RAMS/ICLAMS. Its two-way interactive nesting capabilities, explicit
cloud microphysical schemes with seven categories of hydrometeors and
the ability to handle dust aerosols as predictive quantities are
significant advantages over an area where dust is a dominant factor. An
extended evaluation based on in situ measurements and satellite records
revealed a good model behavior. The analysis was performed in three main
components; the mean climatic characteristics, the rainfall trends and
the extreme cases. The extremes are analyzed under the principles of the
extreme value theory, focusing not only on the duration but also on the
intensity of the events. The annual and monthly rainfall patterns are
investigated and discussed. The spatial distribution of the
precipitation trends revealed insignificant percentage differences in
the examined period. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the eastern
part and the top half of the western Arabian Peninsula presented the
lowest risk associated with extreme events. Apart from the pure
scientific interest, the present study provides useful information for
different sectors of society and economy, such as civil protection,
constructions and reinsurance
