What is the name of the huge sand desert in southern Arabia, one of the largest in the world?

The Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter)

Saudi Arabia Quiz: Deserts, AlUla and Arabian Heritage

This Saudi Arabia quiz explores the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, from the capital Riyadh and the port of Jeddah to Mecca and Medina, the Empty Quarter desert, the ancient tombs of Hegra at AlUla, Arabic coffee and dates, the Red Sea coast and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Ten questions.

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🎯 Daily Trivia Challenge • 🧠 10 Questions • ⏱️ 90 Seconds

Question 1 / 10 Time: 90s

Capital
What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
Religion
Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's two holiest cities. Which are they?
Deserts
What is the name of the huge sand desert in southern Arabia, one of the largest in the world?
History
Hegra, near AlUla, was Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Which ancient people carved its tombs?
Size
Roughly what fraction of the Arabian Peninsula does Saudi Arabia cover?
Hospitality
What is traditionally offered to guests in Saudi Arabia as a sign of welcome?
Sport
Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of which FIFA World Cup?
Founding
In which year was the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established?
Resources
Saudi Arabia's economy has long been based on what?
Coast
Which sea lies along Saudi Arabia's western coast, famous for coral reefs?

Explanations: answer key for all 10 questions

Q1: What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
Answer: Riyadh
Riyadh, in the center of the country, is the largest city. Jeddah, on the Red Sea, is the main port and gateway for pilgrims.
Q2: Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's two holiest cities. Which are they?
Answer: Mecca and Medina
Millions of Muslims travel to Mecca each year for the Hajj pilgrimage. Medina is home to the Prophet's Mosque.
Q3: What is the name of the huge sand desert in southern Arabia, one of the largest in the world?
Answer: The Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter)
The Empty Quarter covers about 650,000 square kilometers. Some of its dunes rise more than 250 meters.
Q4: Hegra, near AlUla, was Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Which ancient people carved its tombs?
Answer: The Nabataeans
The Nabataeans, who also built Petra in Jordan, carved more than 100 tombs into sandstone outcrops at Hegra.
Q5: Roughly what fraction of the Arabian Peninsula does Saudi Arabia cover?
Answer: About four-fifths
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East by area and has no permanent rivers.
Q6: What is traditionally offered to guests in Saudi Arabia as a sign of welcome?
Answer: Arabic coffee with dates
The light, cardamom-spiced coffee is poured into small cups. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest producers of dates.
Q7: Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of which FIFA World Cup?
Answer: 2034
FIFA confirmed the decision in December 2024. The 2030 tournament will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Q8: In which year was the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established?
Answer: 1932
King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud unified the regions and founded the kingdom. National Day is celebrated on September 23.
Q9: Saudi Arabia's economy has long been based on what?
Answer: Oil
Saudi Arabia has some of the world's largest oil reserves. It is investing in tourism and new industries to diversify its economy.
Q10: Which sea lies along Saudi Arabia's western coast, famous for coral reefs?
Answer: The Red Sea
Large new tourism projects are being developed along the Red Sea coast, which has some of the world's healthiest coral reefs.

Saudi Arabia Quiz – Heart of the Arabian Peninsula

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, covering most of the Arabian Peninsula. Its landscapes range from vast sand deserts and rocky plateaus to mountains in the southwest and coral-rich coasts along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. The country plays a central role in the Islamic world as the home of Mecca and Medina.

The modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud. The discovery of oil in 1938 transformed the country, bringing great wealth and rapid development. Today, Saudi Arabia is one of the world's leading oil producers and is investing heavily in tourism, entertainment and new cities as part of a plan to diversify its economy.

The land has a long history. Ancient trade routes carried frankincense and spices across Arabia, and the Nabataeans carved monumental tombs at Hegra, near AlUla. The historic district of Diriyah, near Riyadh, was the original home of the Saudi royal family. Jeddah's old town, Al-Balad, is known for its coral-stone houses with wooden balconies.

Saudi culture places great value on hospitality, family and tradition. Guests are welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, and dishes like kabsa, a spiced rice and meat dish, are shared at large gatherings. Falconry, camel racing and poetry are part of the national heritage. The country has also opened up to international tourism and will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

This quiz covers the geography, history, culture and modern development of Saudi Arabia.

Daily life in Saudi Arabia has changed quickly in recent years. Cinemas and concerts have returned, women gained the right to drive in 2018, and new tourist visas have opened the country to visitors. Large projects, such as resorts along the Red Sea and new cultural districts in Riyadh, aim to attract travelers, while traditional souks and desert camps remain popular with families.

What This Quiz Teaches

This quiz is perfect for travelers, history fans and anyone curious about the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia's capital and major cities
The importance of Mecca and Medina
The Empty Quarter and other landscapes
Ancient sites such as Hegra
Traditions of hospitality
Saudi Arabia's economy and sporting future

Quick Facts About Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's currency is the Saudi riyal.
The country has no permanent rivers.
Kabsa is often considered the national dish.
The Asir region in the southwest has green mountains and cooler weather.
Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Riyadh hosts Expo 2030.