Global - Technology - Review

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest Arab nation in the Middle East, though its indefinite borders mean its exact size is undetermined. It contains Islam’s two most holy sites, the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Masjid al-Nawabi in Medina. Mecca is the scene of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter and has the greatest oil reserves. The nation’s wealth has enabled the government to establish a welfare state, and to become a major donor of foreign aid. A large proportion of the country is desert or semi-desert. In the east is the so-called ‘Empty Quarter’, the largest area of sand in the world. There are no permanent rivers or lakes. In the south west are the highest mountains, including the highest peak, Mount Sawda. Wildlife includes wolves, baboons, ibex and leopard. The west coast has coral reefs. The largest cities are Jeddah and the capital, Riyadh. There are a few traces of Old Riyadh, including the historic mud-walled Masmak Fort, now a museum, but most of the city is modern. The national dish is Kabsa, spicy rice with meat and vegetables, often served with tomato sauce.