THE LAND OF HOT DESERT: SAUDI ARABIA
Chapter Introduction
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest countries in Southwest Asia. It occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula and is famous for its vast deserts, huge oil reserves, and the holy cities of Mecca (Makkah) and Medina. Since most of the country receives very little rainfall, it is called "The Land of Hot Desert."
Although much of Saudi Arabia is covered with sand and rocky deserts, it is a modern country with beautiful cities, highways, airports, industries, and one of the world's strongest economies.
1. Location
Saudi Arabia is situated in Southwest Asia and covers about 2.15 million square kilometres, making it the largest country in the Middle East.
Neighbouring Countries
North
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Kuwait
East
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Oman
South
- Yemen
West
- Red Sea
East Coast
- Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf)
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 16°N to 32°N
- Longitude: 34°E to 56°E
These latitudes lie within the Tropical Desert Zone, which explains the country's hot climate.
Important Facts
Feature
Information
Continent
Asia
Region
Southwest Asia
Capital
Riyadh
Area
About 2.15 million sq. km
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Official Language
Arabic
Religion
Islam
2. Physical Features
Saudi Arabia has different types of landforms.
A. Deserts
Nearly 80% of Saudi Arabia is covered by deserts.
Major deserts include:
Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter)
- Largest continuous sand desert in the world.
- Covers nearly 650,000 sq. km.
- Has sand dunes over 250 metres high.
- Very few people live here.
An Nafud Desert
- Located in northern Saudi Arabia.
- Famous for its red sand.
Ad-Dahna Desert
- Long narrow strip of sand.
- Connects Rub' al Khali and An Nafud deserts.
B. Mountains
The western part of Saudi Arabia has mountain ranges.
Examples:
- Asir Mountains
- Hijaz Mountains
These areas receive slightly more rainfall.
C. Plateaus
The central part is mostly rocky plateaus.
Example:
- Najd Plateau
D. Coastal Plains
Saudi Arabia has coastal plains along:
- Red Sea
- Arabian Gulf
Many important ports are located here.
3. Climate
Saudi Arabia has a Hot Desert Climate (BWh).
Characteristics
Summer
- Extremely hot.
- Temperature often reaches 45°C to 50°C.
- Some places become even hotter.
Winter
- Pleasant during the day.
- Cold nights.
- In northern areas temperatures may fall close to 0°C.
Rainfall
- Very little rainfall.
- Most areas receive less than 100 mm annually.
- Rain usually falls during winter or spring.
Humidity
- Coastal areas are humid.
- Inland deserts are very dry.
Sandstorms
Sandstorms are common because:
- Strong winds blow loose sand.
- Vegetation is very limited.
Sandstorms reduce visibility and make travel difficult.
Why is Saudi Arabia so Hot?
- Lies near the Tropic of Cancer.
- Receives direct sunlight for most of the year.
- Very few rivers and lakes.
- Very little cloud cover.
- Dry air causes rapid heating during the day.
4. Natural Vegetation
Since rainfall is scarce, vegetation is limited.
Plants have adapted to survive with little water.
Common Plants
- Date Palm
- Acacia
- Tamarisk
- Cactus
- Thorny shrubs
- Desert grasses
These plants have:
- Long roots
- Thick stems
- Small leaves
- Ability to store water
Oasis
An oasis is a fertile area in the desert where underground water reaches the surface.
People grow:
- Dates
- Wheat
- Barley
- Vegetables
- Citrus fruits
Oases become centres of settlement because water is available.
5. Wildlife
Many animals have adapted to desert life.
Domestic Animals
- Camel
- Goat
- Sheep
Wild Animals
- Arabian Oryx
- Gazelle
- Desert Fox
- Wolf
- Hyena
Birds
- Falcon
- Eagle
- Owl
Reptiles
- Lizards
- Snakes
Camel – Ship of the Desert
The camel is called the Ship of the Desert because it:
- Walks easily on sand.
- Can travel long distances.
- Stores fat in its hump.
- Can survive many days without water.
- Carries people and goods.
6. Natural Resources
Saudi Arabia is blessed with valuable natural resources.
Petroleum (Crude Oil)
- World's largest oil reserves.
- Major exporter of petroleum.
- Main source of national income.
Natural Gas
Used for:
- Electricity generation
- Industries
- Household fuel
Minerals
- Gold
- Copper
- Phosphate
- Bauxite
- Limestone
7. Economy
Saudi Arabia has one of the strongest economies in the Middle East.
A. Oil Industry
Oil was discovered in 1938.
Today Saudi Arabia:
- Produces millions of barrels of oil every day.
- Exports oil to many countries.
- Earns most of its income from petroleum.
Oil is refined into:
- Petrol
- Diesel
- Kerosene
- Lubricants
B. Agriculture
Agriculture is possible only where irrigation is available.
Major crops:
- Dates
- Wheat
- Barley
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Watermelons
- Citrus fruits
Saudi Arabia is one of the world's leading producers of dates.
C. Animal Rearing
People rear:
- Camels
- Sheep
- Goats
- Poultry
These provide:
- Meat
- Milk
- Wool
- Leather
D. Industries
Important industries include:
- Oil refining
- Petrochemicals
- Fertilizers
- Cement
- Steel
- Plastic
- Food processing
- Construction
E. Trade
Exports:
- Petroleum
- Petrochemical products
- Dates
- Plastics
Imports:
- Food grains
- Machinery
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Medicines
F. Tourism
Millions of Muslims visit Saudi Arabia every year.
Main pilgrimages:
Hajj
- Annual pilgrimage.
- Performed once a year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.
Umrah
- Can be performed throughout the year.
Pilgrims visit:
- Mecca
- Medina
Religious tourism contributes significantly to the economy.
8. Life of the People
Traditional Life
Earlier, many people were Bedouins.
Bedouins:
- Moved from place to place.
- Lived in tents.
- Herded camels and goats.
- Traded across deserts.
Modern Life
Today most people live in modern cities.
Facilities include:
- Air-conditioned homes
- Shopping malls
- Schools
- Universities
- Hospitals
- Airports
- Metro rail
- Highways
Many people work in:
- Government offices
- Banks
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Industries
- Businesses
Food
Popular foods:
- Rice
- Bread (Khubz)
- Dates
- Lamb
- Chicken
- Fish
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Arabic Coffee (Qahwa)
Dates are eaten daily and are considered an important traditional food.
Clothing
Men
- Thobe (long white robe)
- Ghutra (head cloth)
- Agal (black cord)
Women
- Abaya
- Hijab (headscarf)
- Some wear a Niqab
These clothes help protect people from the hot sun and blowing sand.
Festivals
Main festivals:
- Eid-ul-Fitr
- Eid-ul-Adha
National Day:
- 23 September
9. Transport
Modern transport includes:
- Cars
- Buses
- Trains
- Aeroplanes
- Ships
Traditional transport:
- Camels
Saudi Arabia has one of the largest road networks in the Middle East.
10. Major Cities
A. Riyadh – The Capital City
Importance
- Capital of Saudi Arabia.
- Largest city.
- Administrative headquarters.
- Financial and business centre.
Famous Places
- Kingdom Centre Tower
- King Abdullah Financial District
- National Museum
- Masmak Fort
Industries
- Banking
- Information Technology
- Construction
- Education
- Government offices
B. Mecca (Makkah)
Importance
- Holiest city in Islam.
- Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Home of the Kaaba.
- Millions of pilgrims visit every year.
Famous Places
- Masjid al-Haram
- Kaaba
- Mount Arafat
- Mina
- Safa and Marwah
Only Muslims are permitted to enter the central holy city.
C. Jeddah
Importance
- Largest port on the Red Sea.
- Gateway to Mecca.
- Major commercial city.
Famous Attractions
- Jeddah Corniche
- King Fahd Fountain (one of the tallest fountains in the world)
- Al-Balad (Old Town)
- Modern shopping centres
11. Importance of Oil
Oil changed Saudi Arabia completely.
Before oil:
- Most people were poor.
- Desert life was difficult.
- Few modern facilities existed.
After oil:
- Better roads
- Airports
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Universities
- Industries
- Modern cities
- Higher standard of living
12. Problems Faced
- Water scarcity
- Extremely hot weather
- Sandstorms
- Limited farming land
- Need to conserve groundwater
- Harsh desert conditions
13. Interesting Facts
- Saudi Arabia has no permanent rivers.
- The Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) is one of the world's largest sand deserts.
- It is one of the world's largest exporters of petroleum.
- The camel is known as the Ship of the Desert.
- Mecca is the holiest city in Islam.
- Riyadh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Middle East.
- Jeddah is the main gateway for pilgrims arriving by air or sea.
Key Terms
Term
Meaning
Desert
A very dry region with very little rainfall.
Oasis
A fertile place in the desert where water is available.
Bedouins
Nomadic people of the Arabian Desert.
Petroleum
Crude oil found underground.
Irrigation
Artificial supply of water to crops.
Sandstorm
A storm carrying sand and dust.
Hajj
Annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Umrah
Pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of the year.
Petrochemicals
Chemicals made from petroleum.
Quick Revision
Topic
Important Points
Location
Southwest Asia, Arabian Peninsula
Capital
Riyadh
Climate
Hot, dry desert climate
Largest Desert
Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter)
Rainfall
Less than 100 mm in most areas
Main Vegetation
Date palms, acacia, cactus, thorny shrubs
Main Industry
Petroleum (oil)
Main Crops
Dates, wheat, vegetables
Traditional People
Bedouins
Main Animal
Camel
Holy City
Mecca
Major Port
Jeddah
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Official Language
Arabic
National Day
23 September