Saudi Arabia: Geography, Culture, and Cuisine

Vocabulary flashcards covering the geography, climate, history, culture, and traditional cuisine of Saudi Arabia based on lecture notes.

Saudi Arabia

A sovereign Arab state in Western Asia that makes up the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula; it is the largest country in the Middle East and 12th largest in the world.

Rub al-Khali

Also known as The Empty Quarter, it is the world's largest continuous sand desert, located in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh

The capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Asir

A province on the western coast of Saudi Arabia that has a non-desert climate and receives rainfall influenced by Indian Ocean monsoons between October and March.

Dammam

The city in Saudi Arabia where oil was discovered in 1938, transforming the region and global economy.

Bedouins

Nomadic or semi-nomadic tribal Arab people who make up the majority of ethnic Saudis.

Baharat

An Arabic spice blend commonly used in Saudi Arabian cuisine to season meats and soups, or used as a condiment.

Gahwah

Traditional Arabic coffee, the serving of which is a key sign of hospitality and generosity in Saudi Arabian culture.

Laban

A popular traditional yogurt drink in Saudi Arabia.

Kabsa

The national dish of Saudi Arabia, consisting of mixed basmati rice cooked with meat in tomato sauce, vegetables, and spices, garnished with toasted almonds and raisins.

Margoog

A traditional meat stew from the Najd region made of gravy, meat, vegetables, dried limes, Baharat spice mix, and dumpling-like wheat flour pieces.

Mandi

A main holiday dish made of meat and basmati rice cooked slowly in an underground clay oven and smoked with charcoal.

Tandoor

A traditional clay oven with an opening, used in Asian and Middle Eastern countries to prepare breads, meats, and samosas.