arabia

Arabia is a region in Western Asia centered on the Arabian Peninsula. In modern usage it denotes the peninsula and its surrounding areas, bounded by the Red Sea to the west, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the south; some definitions extend to adjacent regions. The term also appears in historical contexts to describe broader areas inhabited by Arab peoples, such as the Roman-era provinces of Arabia Petraea, Arabia Deserta, and Arabia Felix.

Geography and climate are largely characterized by arid and desert conditions. The landscape includes vast sand deserts such as the Rub’ al Khali (the Empty Quarter), mountainous zones like the Hijaz and Sarawat ranges, and coastal plains along the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Rainfall is scarce, and water resources have long influenced settlement, trade, and agriculture.

Population and language: The region is predominantly Arabic-speaking, with Islam as the major religion. In the modern era, the Arabian Peninsula contains several sovereign states and diverse urban centers, where economic activity is typically concentrated in coastal cities and oases.

Political entities: The peninsula comprises Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Some definitions of Arabia may extend to parts of Jordan or Iraq or refer to broader historical realms such as Greater Arabia.

History and economy: Arabia has a long history as a cradle of Arab culture and as the birthplace of Islam. In contemporary times, petroleum and natural gas underpin many economies in the region, especially Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, while diversification efforts continue across Gulf states.