The design and construction of buildings in areas vulnerable to earthquakes has to allow for the effects of earthquakes in order to minimise the risk of total collapse, loss of life, and facilities being out of service. In preparing this Note, BRE Overseas Division has investigated the incidence of earthquakes in most countries in the Middle East, and has prepared maps indicating areas of seismic zoning. The zones are categorised as follows: Zone A - likely to experience major earthquakes, Zone B - likely to experience minor earthquakes. Areas outside these zones are unlikely to experience earthquakes.