Arabian Peninsula

Front

A piece of land that is surrounded by water on three sides

Back

Peninsula

Front

Extremely dry

Back

Arid

Front

A mound or ridge of sand formed by the wind

Back

Dune

Front

A seasonal wind that brings heavy rains in the summer, and dry air inland in the winter

Back

Monsoon

Front

A hot, dry, suffocating wind that blows during summer in the Arabian Peninsula; this term translates to "poison" in Arabic

Back

Simoom

Front

A northwesterly wind in the Persian Gulf area which carry millions of tons of sand and silt into the Rub' al-Khali

Back

Shamal

Front

A territory ruled by an Arab tribal leader

Back

Sheikdom

Front

A branch of Islam that regards the first four successors of Muhammad as his rightful successors (85% of the Muslim population)

Back

Sunni

Front

A branch of Islam that regards Muhammad's son-in-law Ali and the imams as his rightful successors (15% of the Muslim population)

Back

Shia

Front

A conservative form of Islam distinct from Sunni and Shia sects; prominent in Oman

Back

Ibadism