The group will deal with all the potential geological hazards that may occur in countries subject to arid climatic conditions. This may include but not limited to flash floods, rock and soil slope instability, subsidence in carst areas, foundation on weak rocks or unstable soil, sand drifting and dune migration, sabkha hazards, desertification, etc. New ideas on how to investigate, evaluate and mitigate these hazards are invited for discussion. New softwares and equipment that may help solving some of these problems are welcomed.