Introduction

The United Arab Emirates and most of GCC countries are near the edge of the Arabian Plate adjacent to the Iranian plateau and close to Zagros Fault that is characterized by high seismic activities. The Iranian plateau frequently suffers destructive and catastrophic earthquakes that cause heavy loss of human life and widespread damage in buildings and infrastructure.

Due to its proximity to the Iranian Block, and the recent increase in the rate of seismic activity of the region it becomes evident that the UAE and its surroundings are vulnerable, with various degrees, to earthquakes that are occurring at and around Zagros fault. The recent earthquake of March 11, 2002 ( 2:02 am local time) that hit Masafi is an incident that has not been witnessed in the recent years. It is evident that no part of the land is completely free of seismic activity.

Accordingly, a joint effort is underway between the American University of Sharjah and the Ministry of Public Work and Housing to establish guidelines to make UAE buildings and infrastructure more earthquake resistant. The effort will have many facets regarding establishment of new codes, delineation of seismic zones and education of engineers and the public on earthquake related issues. Ministries, municipalities, academic institutions and organizations already joined the effort to support the scientific research and education in areas of earthquake engineering and mitigation. This workshop is another step towards that goal and it is intended to serve the purpose of educating the concerned parties about the fundamentals of earthquake effects and mitigation measures.