Arabs, Islam, and Oil: Lesson 18

How are women's rights different in Saudi Arabia than in the United States?

Men hold the dominant roles in Saudi society. Under strict Islamic law, women do not have the same rights as men. This is different because women have similar rights to men.

How has the emirate of Dubai been able to promote the globalization process?

Dubai has turned its small emirate into an international trade center. Using its oil reserves to promote trade and commerce, Dubai has one of the most advanced port facilities in the world and competes with Hong Kong and New York.

What are some things that women cant do legally in Saudi Arabia that would be legal in the US?

For example, in Saudi Arabia women cant: -drive motor vehicles. -can only choose certain college degrees. -compete freely in sports. -walk in public space without male relative with them.

Who drilled the first offshore Kuwaiti oil well? Why is this significant?

In 1961, Zapata Oil Company, owned by the former US president George Bush Sr. drilled the first offshore Kuwaiti oil well in the Persian Gulf. Kuwaiti has small population and ample of oil revenues, so there are adequate social services for all Kuwaiti citizens.

What is Saudi Arabia's legal system based on? How is it different than the legal system in the US?

In Saudi Arabia there is a ban on political parties, elections, trade unions, independent legal associations and human rights organizations. This is different from the US because we have all of that stuff that is banned in Saudi Arabia.

What type of things would be illegal in Saudi Arabia that would not be illegal in the US?

Law of the state is strict and supports conservative Islamic ideals. Activities like gambling, alcohol, and the promotion of other religions are outlawed.

Where are the mountains located on the Arabian Peninsula? How high in elevation do they reach?

Minerals are also mined in the mountains that dominate the western and southern regions of the peninsula. The highest peaks are in Yemen. They reach over 12,000 ft in elevation.

What measures have Bahrain and Qatar taken in an attempt to modernize their countries?

Modernization efforts have been supported Qatar's push for a greater education. Women are allowed to vote, Western clothing or products are allowed and rap music can be heard in the streets. In Qatar, women can drive cars, vote, run for political offices, and get an education equal to men. Though 50% of the population is Shia, the country is opening up democratic reforms. In 1999, elections were approved for a parliament, all political prisoners were released and women were allowed to vote.

What two countries control the major choke point of the Strait of Hormuz for ships entering or leaving the Persian Gulf?

Ruled by a Sultan, this absolute monarchy also controls the tip of land next to the Strait of Hormuz, which is the choke point for ships and oil tankers entering or leaving the Persian Gulf.

What do Qatar and Bahrain have in common? How are they utilizing their vast oil income?

Ruled by an Emir that has supported democratic reforms, Qatar is moving forward with a globalization policy similar to other westernized nations. Many of these reforms are similar to that of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Tapping into their oil revenues, Bahrain has to work to balance the shift toward modernization and globalization with strong Arab heritage and Islamic beliefs that have been the foundation of their culture. Oil and natural gas revenues in the past few decades have provided Qatar with a rapidly-growing economy. Oil and gas have made Qatar one of the highest per-capita income countries in the world. Qatar has been pursuing development of private and foreign investments in non-energy-related businesses, including banking and financial institutions.

What type of government does Saudi Arabia have? What is the law based upon?

Saudi royal family holds considerable power. Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, which follows any law established by the king. The foundation of the law is the Islamic Sharia criminal code.

What is an emirate? What is the UAE? Who is in charge of the UAE? Which emirates have the oil?

Seven small Arab states, called emirates, joined together in 1971 to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Each emirate is ruled by a sheik and is an absolute monarchy. The UAE has since evolved into a modern, high-income nation. The two countries emirates with the most oil are Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

What is the physical environment like on the Arabian Peninsula? What is the main climate type?

The Arabian Peninsula is a desert environment surrounded by salt water bodies. Type B climates dominate the region. In the south is the Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter), which is one of the larger sand deserts in the world and comprises about 25% of Saudi Arabia. It is extremely dry and virtually uninhabited, though oil discoveries have brought temporary settlements to the region. There are no natural lakes or major rivers on the peninsula.

Outline the differences between the emirates of Dubai and the country Yemen.

The head of royal family in Dubai is also considered the head of government for the UAE. Yemen has a democratically-elected government.

When did Saudi Arabia become a country? Who is it named after? What was discovered in 1938?

The region was further united after 1902, when Abdul Aziz Al-Sa'ud and his followers captured the city of Riyadh and brought it under the control of the House of Sa'ud. In 1938, the US oil corporation Chevron found large quantities of oil in the region, which has sustained the royal family ever since.

How has the current Sultan of Oman utilized his country's oil revenues?

Though Omanis not a democracy, the Sultan has provided a positive role model for other monarchs. He used his oil wealth to help his country modernize. In recent years, proven oil reserves have been holding steady, although oil production has been decreasing. Oman has other mineral resources including copper, precious metals and marble, but they have not been exploited to their fullest extent.

How does the term "Middle East lite" apply to the country of Bahrain?

With respect to the region, the term, "Middle East lite," has been applied to Bahrain because Bahrain combines modern infrastructures with a Persian Gulf identity that is more accepting and open to the outside.

How does the role of women in Qatar compare to the role of women in the other nearby countries?

Women are allowed to vote, Western clothing or products are allowed and rap music can be heard in the streets. The Emir's wife has opened up much visibility for women in these roles and has inspired women in Qatar to press for a good education and excel some of the cultural barriers that have been restricted women in other conservative Islamic Arab countries. In Qatar, women can drive cars, vote, run for political offices, and get an education equal to men.

Who are the mutawa'een? When would you encounter them? What would they do to you?

Women do not have the opportunities in Saudi Arabia that women in many Western countries have. For example, women in Saudi Arabia who walk unaccompanied, or are in the company of a man who is neither their husband nor a close relative, are at risk of arrest on suspicion of prostitutions or other "moral" offences and can be arrested by the Mutawa'een (religious police). The punishments could be up to 25 days in prison and a flogging of as many as 60 lashes.

Which is the only country on the Arabian Peninsula to have a democratically elected government?

Yemen is the only country on the Arabian Peninsula to have a democratically-elected government.