Page 40 - SST Class 05

fourth because of modern life. The way of living of urban people is greatly different
from that of villagers.

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.

An Arab man and a woman Burj Khalifa An oil refinery in Saudi Arabia

The most dominant religion of Saudi Arabia is Islam. People speak Arabic . Meat forms
a dominant part of cuisine. Football is popular, but several restrictions are enforced on
women taking part in games.

Trade, Industry and Natural Resources

Oil is the most important natural resource. There are a number of huge oilfields 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.

Agriculture is scarce here due to a dry climate. Some crops are grown near oases, like
dates, melons, tomatoes and wheat. Saudi Arabia has embraced science and technology
to develop a few modern farms in which different agricultural products are cultivated.

40 Contemporary Social Science-5