Arabian Peninsula Saudi Arabia Kuwait Bahrain Qatar United Arab Emirates Oman Yemen Arabian Peninsula

Facts Facts and More Facts Almost the entire peninsula is arid. Summer temps average 100-120 F. Most people live in cities. 50% of the world’s oil supply is in the region. Islam is part of daily life. Most people are ethnically Arab. All but Yemen are monarchies. Native citizens are minorities in their own country. Imported “guest” workers make up more than half their population.

CFU ?? How do you think Islam helped to unite the Arabian Peninsula culturally?

Most countries on the peninsula are “welfare” states in which the government pays for electricity, water, health care, and education. Oil is the major industry, however most are diversifying their economies because the oil won’t last forever The area has an agriculture industry using center pivot irrigation.

Think/Pair/Share Why might leaders on the Arabian Peninsula be concerned about chances in the price of oil?

The white “dress” that men wear in the region is called a dishdasha/thobe. The headdress is called a ghotra. The black garment that women wear is called an abaya and the veil is called a bourkah. Camel racing is a popular sport. The jockeys are 6-8 year boys. Arabian Horses orginated here

CFU?? How might climate and religion affect ‘traditional’ dress on the Arabian Peninsula?

Saudi Arabia Center of the Islamic World Muhammed was born in Mecca ; (islam’s holiesty city) buried in Medina. Islam incorporated into daily life, culture, and law. Has 25% of the world’s known oil reserves The Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter) is the largest sand desert in the world (the size of Texas) Government is an absolute monarchy/theocracy: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud- died Jan 23 (2005-2015) 2 heir apparents died before he did. His third heir apparent is his half-brother Salman, who was named as Crown Prince on 18 June 2012,[84] and is in process of becoming King 2015. the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government No political parties are allowed. Women are not allowed to drive or vote and must wear the abaya and bourkah in public.

Exit Ticket?? How do you think the presence of large deposits of oil have changed the lives of the people on the Arabian Peninsula?