HOTS Questions: The Land of Sand: Saudi Arabia

Q1: Describe the climate of Saudi Arabia.
Ans: Saudi Arabia has a very hot and dry climate. Summers are extremely hot in most parts, with high daytime temperatures and very little rain. Nights in the desert can become much cooler. Some coastal areas along the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf are warm and humid. Sandstorms are common in desert regions.

Q2: What kinds of plants grow in the deserts of Saudi Arabia?
Ans: In the deserts, hardy plants that need very little water grow. These include small shrubs, grasses and thorny bushes such as acacia. Date palms grow where there is water near oases. People also cultivate crops such as wheat and barley close to oases and in irrigated areas.

Q3: What is a (a) peninsula, (b) oasis?
Ans:
(a) Peninsula - A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides. An example is the Arabian Peninsula.
(b) Oasis - An oasis is a place in a desert where groundwater comes near or reaches the surface so plants can grow. Oases provide water for people, animals and farms.

Q4: What is the importance of oases for the people living in the desert regions of Saudi Arabia?
Ans: Oases are very important because they provide water for drinking and for watering crops. They allow people to live and farm in the desert. Oases are also resting places for travellers and their animals, and helped old trade routes across the desert. Many oases support date palm groves and small villages.

Q5: Why is Saudi Arabia such a rich country?
Ans: Saudi Arabia is rich mainly because it has very large oil (petroleum) reserves. Selling oil to other countries brings in a great deal of money. This income helps build towns, schools, hospitals and roads and supports the country's economy.

Q6: Who are Bedouins?
Ans: Bedouins are the tribal and traditionally nomadic people of the Arabian deserts. They lived in tents, moved from place to place with their herds and are known for their strong culture, hospitality and traditional songs and stories.

Q7: How did Bedouins traditionally earn their living?
Ans: Bedouins earned their living by herding animals such as camels, goats and sheep. They sold animals and animal products like milk, wool and hides. Some worked as guides for caravans or traded goods along desert routes.

Q8: Why is Saudi Arabia important for the Muslims of the world?
Ans: Saudi Arabia is important to Muslims because it is the birthplace of Islam and is home to the two holy cities, Mecca and Medina. Mecca contains the Kaaba and is the centre of the Hajj pilgrimage, which millions of Muslims visit each year. Medina is the city where the Prophet Muhammad lived and is also a major place of pilgrimage.