Replicating the physical and chemical properties of Martian regolith is essential for developing technologies in planetary exploration, rover mobility, and habitat construction. This study investigates desert sands from selected regions of the GCC, with samples collected from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, to assess their suitability as terrestrial analogs for Martian regolith. Physical properties including grain size distribution, bulk density, and microscopic morphology were assessed alongside chemical and mineralogical compositions. Physical characterization was performed through grain size distribution analysis, bulk density measurement, and microscopic morphology observations. Chemical and mineralogical compositions were determined by different techniques. The results were compared with known Martian regolith properties obtained from Mars missions such as Curiosity and InSight. Preliminary findings suggest that certain sands from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and central Bahrain exhibit particle size ranges, oxide content (SiO₂, Fe₂O₃, MgO), and mineral phases (quartz, hematite) closely matching Martian soil profiles. Mechanical behavior, including compressibility and shear strength, was also investigated to evaluate geotechnical analogies. This study demonstrates that Saudi and Bahraini desert sands present promising potential as natural, cost-effective simulants for use in Mars analog research facilities and experimental platforms. © The Author(s) 2026.

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