The Middle East is characterized primarily by an arid and semi-arid environment with a predominantly hot and dry climate. This region includes vast deserts, such as the Arabian Desert (including the Rub' al Khali or Empty Quarter) and the Syrian Desert, which experience extreme temperatures, very limited rainfall, and sparse vegetation

. These desert areas support specially adapted flora and fauna and have traditionally been home to nomadic pastoralist lifestyles. In addition to deserts, the Middle East features Mediterranean climate zones, especially along the Levantine coast (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel), where hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters support evergreen forests, shrublands, and diverse agriculture like olive and grape cultivation

. There are also semi-arid steppe regions in parts of Iraq, Syria, and Iran, which receive moderate rainfall and support grasses and shrubs, serving as important grazing lands and transitional zones between desert and Mediterranean climates

. The region includes significant mountain ranges (e.g., Zagros, Taurus, Alborz) and fertile river valleys (Tigris, Euphrates, Jordan River) that sustain agriculture and ancient civilizations despite the overall aridity

. Environmental challenges in the Middle East include severe water scarcity, desertification, and vulnerability to climate change impacts such as increasing droughts, heatwaves, and reduced precipitation. The Middle East is considered a climate change hotspot, projected to face worsening water stress and temperature extremes in the coming decades

. In summary, the Middle East's environment is a mosaic of:

• Arid deserts with extreme heat and minimal rainfall
• Semi-arid steppes with sparse vegetation and moderate rainfall
• Mediterranean climate zones with seasonal rainfall supporting diverse ecosystems
• Mountainous and fertile river valley areas enabling agriculture amid aridity

This complex environment shapes the region's ecosystems, biodiversity, human livelihoods, and geopolitical challenges related to water and resource management