Page 41 - SST Class 05

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 is 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 Masmark Fort Mecca
Mohammed, is a popular pilgrimage town where the Muslims come for Haj.

peninsula : an area of land almost surrounded by sea but joined to a larger piece of land.
sand dune : a hill formed by sand due to wind movement.
wadi : a deep and dry valley in Saudi Arabia.
nomad : a tribe in Saudi Arabia.
oasis : an area in a desert where ground water has come to the surface.
caravan : travellers moving in group with cattle and other things.
Haj : holy pilgrimage to Mecca by the Muslims.

Facts

• A desert is a hot and dry plain, having less than 25 cm of annual rainfall.
• Saudi Arabia is a desert country located in the Arabian Peninsula.
• Wadis and oases are sources of water to people.
• The climate in Saudi Arabia is extremely hot and dry.
• Wildlife and natural vegetation have adapted to severe climatic conditions in Saudi Arabia.
• About three-fourth of people in Saudi Arabia live in urban centres.
• People in rural areas are mostly nomadic tribes, the important of them being the Bedouin.
• The discovery of petroleum has changed the life of people in Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Arabia has a good network of roads and railways.

Saudi Arabia : The Land of Desert 41