The Arabian Peninsula

-Countries of this subregion: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen -Islam: monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad -Islam dictates way of life in the Arabian Peninsula

Five Pillars of Islam -Faith: Must follow the statement that “There is no God but Allah” -Prayer: Must pray five times a day in a mosque (Muslim place of worship) or wherever convenient -Charity: Support the faith as well as the less fortunate -Fasting: During Ramadan, no eating or drinking from sun up to sun down -Pilgrimage: All Muslims are expected to make a journey (hajj) to the holy city of Mecca

Importance of Oil -Oil is the most important natural resource in the Arabian Peninsula -It is the primary export for all Arabian Peninsula countries

Importance of Oil -OPEC: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries -Formed in 1960 to control worldwide oil prices -Member countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Iraq

The Change to Urban Life -The majority of citizens of the Arabian Peninsula countries live in cities -1960: Region was about 25% urbanized -2015: Region is about 80% urbanized -More jobs are located in cities -Desert regions outside of cities are not desirable for living