The Arab Desert
Introduction to deserts
Deserts are areas with very little rainfall, receiving less than 25 cm per year. Vegetation is sparse in deserts due to the dry conditions. Deserts can be hot or cold, and rocky or sandy. In India, Ladakh is an example of a cold and rocky desert, while the Thar is a hot and sandy desert. With irrigation and the planting of trees, deserts can be transformed into green and fertile areas, as seen in some parts of the Arabian and Thar deserts. Deserts are mostly found near the Tropics, between 20° and 30° on both sides of the Equator, and they are typically located in the western parts of continents. Deserts make up about one-fifth of the world’s land area.
The Antarctic Desert (in Antarctica) is the largest cold desert. Other important deserts include the Sahara and Kalahari (in Africa), the Colorado (in North America), the Arabian, Gobi and Thar (Asia), the Australian Desert (in Australia), and Atacama Desert (in South America).
The Arabian Desert is located in the Arabian Peninsula. The Tropic of Cancer passes through it. Saudi Arabia is located here, which we shall study in this lesson.
Location
Saudi Arabia, situated in the Arabian Peninsula, is mostly a desert land covering almost 80% of the region. The country is surrounded by the Red Sea on the west and the Persian Gulf on the east. It shares its borders with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Yemen. Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 provinces, which are further divided into 118 districts or governorates.
Saudi Arabia
National name: Al-Mamalakah al- ‘Arabiyah as-Sa’udiya
Capital: Riyadh
Currency: Riyal
Official language: English, Arabic
Area:
Physical Features
Saudi Arabia is predominantly covered with sandy deserts, with occasional plateaus, hills, and lowlands. The coastal plains, located on the eastern and western coasts, are narrow. While there are some lakes, there are no permanent rivers in the country. Dry and deep valleys, known as wadis, are present throughout the region, which are filled with rainwater but dry up quickly due to the extreme heat. However, there are a few oases where groundwater comes to the surface, enabling people to practice agriculture and animal husbandry.
The sandy desert forms a large part of Saudi Arabia. Sand forms into small hills, called sand dunes. These dunes keep shifting with the wind, so they can be very Wester highland in Saudi Arabia dangerous for people and animals. Normally, the wind is strong as there is no vegetation to check its speed. Due to this, sand storms often occur.
Climate
Owing to scanty rainfall, which is less than 10 cm yearly, the climate in Saudi Arabia is hot and dry. The Asir region is the only exception with an average annual rainfall of about 30-51 cm. The day temperature can go as high as 49°C. The temperature along coastal areas averages at about 32°C. Days are warm but nights are cool, because sand heats up and cools down quickly.
Vegetation
Vegetation is sparse in Saudi Arabia because of hot and dry climate. Only those trees can survive here which have long roots, like cactus. The few other plants that grow here have adapted themselves to the harsh climate. They shed their leaves to minimise loss of water. Cactus has leaves like spines, so water does not transpire from its stem.
There are a number of oases and wells in Saudi Arabia. Date-palms grow well near the oases. People practise agriculture near sources of water. The important crops are wheat, barley, fruits and vegetables. The town of al-Hasa is known for its palm trees, numbering about 30 million, which produce a very large quantity of dates.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Saudi Arabia is limited due to its harsh climate. It includes reptiles, birds, mammals, insects, and spiders. During winter, wolves, foxes, deer, and hyenas can be seen. However, the most important animal in Saudi Arabia is the camel, which is well adapted to the desert with its long lashes, padded feet, and ability to store water and food for several days. It is often used as a means of transport and is known as the “ship of the desert”.
Nomadic people move frequently in search of fresh grazing land for their animals. They travel with their herds of goats, sheep, camels and other possessions, and pitch large tents wherever they go. They journey in groups called caravans and trade goods such as animals, cheese, wool and food grains. The urban population in Saudi Arabia accounts for over three-quarters due to modern lifestyles. Urban dwellers have significantly different ways of life compared to those in rural areas. in short and simple.
People wear loose and flowing but covering garments which suit the hot and dry climate of Saudi Arabia. The traditional dress comprises a long cloak worn over a long cotton smock and a scarf to cover the head. Modern European dresses in the urban centres can also be seen.
The lifestyle of the people of Saudi Arabia has undergone a change after the discovery of oil. The income from oil has made this country a modern one. Its urban centres have all types of facilities, like schools, hospitals and business centres. Potable water and electricity are available in almost all parts. A large number of people migrate to this country for work, including Indians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans.
Trade, Industry and Natural Resources
Oil is the most important natural resource. There are a number of huge oil fields in its eastern part and the Persian Gulf. Dhahran, Abquaib and Ghawar are the main areas where oil-fields are located. Other important minerals found here include gold, copper, silver and iron-ore. The main industry of Saudi Arabia is petroleum products which contributes almost one-half of the total economic production of the country.
Petroleum is exported on a large scale and is the main source of foreign currency. People in Saudi Arabia have become very rich due to the money earned by petroleum. In addition to petroleum, other industries include refineries, iron and steel, textiles, soaps, cement, fertilisers and handicrafts. Shrimps and dates also form an important part of exports.
Due to the arid climate, agriculture is limited in Saudi Arabia. However, some crops such as dates, melons, tomatoes, and wheat are grown near oases. With the help of science and technology, Saudi Arabia has developed modern farms where various agricultural products are cultivated.
Transport and Communication
In spite of the harsh climatic conditions, Saudi Arabia has developed a good network of roads. Now effort is being made to connect villages with good quality roads. Railways are operational between Riyadh and the Persian Gulf port of Ad Damman. Saudi Arabia is linked to most countries of the world by air. There are major international airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran.
Important Cities
Riyadh : Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is equipped with all types of modern facilities including those in educational and medical fields. It is known for its skyscrapers and parks. It is the largest city too. Its Masmark Fort isi visited by several tourists.
Jeddah : Located on the eastern coast along the Red Sea, Jeddah is the administrative capital of Saudi Arabia. It is the busiest seaport, mainly because of millions of people arriving here for pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. Mecca : Mecca, the birthplace of Prophet Mohammed, is a popular pilgrimage town where the Muslims come for Haj.