Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the largest Arab country by area in Western Asia. The official language is Arabic with regional variants, and there are significant African and Bedouin populations along with a majority Arab population. The terrain includes desert, shrublands, and plateaus. Overall the climate is desertlike. Native animal species include the dromedary, the fennec, and the Arabian jird. The biggest sector of the economy is oil, and the government is attempting to expand private sectors by encouraging privatization of power and telecommunications.

Love archaeological sites? Check out the great old trading center at Al-Faw. Antiquities abound at Jeddah’s Al-Tayibat City Museum for International Civilisation. See old lifeways blend into a modern context at the Souq al-Alawi, also in Jeddah. This is the biggest market in Saudi Arabia, and it’s generally bustling with traders and visitors up until closing time.

Wheat and rice are popular starchy staples. Typical vegetables include tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggplant. Lamb, mutton, and chicken are commonly eaten. Marqouq is made of wheat, pieces of dough, meat, spices, and vegetables like pumpkin and eggplant. Try glaba, fava beans with olive oil and tahini. Vegetarians can find suitable items on Chinese and Arabic menus in places like Jedda. Coffee and dates are served to guests in an elaborate ceremonial ritual meant to show generosity, and the same combination nourishes and energizes an individual breaking a fast during Ramadan because of the iron and caffeine.