Special Sub-Topic: Middle East Knowledge Click Here To Play: Middle East Knowledge

What ancient people inhabited Mada'ain Saleh, in the Northwest area of present day Saudi Arabia?

Nabateans. The most widely recognized Nabatean ruins are in Petra, Jordan.

What British policy during World War I became the basis for establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine?

The Balfour Declaration. The Balfour Declaration was actually a letter written by Arthur James Balfour, Foreign Secretary in the British government, to Lord Rothschild, on November 2, 1917. The letter is the first official recognition of the Zionist movement by a then Great Power.

What is the name for a widely used drug in the Yemen?

Khat. Khat (or Khat, pronounced 'cot'). Fresh Khat leaves, which are typically chewed like tobacco, produce a mild cocaine- or amphetamine-like euphoria that is much less potent than either substance. Most Yemeni men chew khat on a daily basis, usually after the noon hour.

The Rub Al Khali desert in Saudi Arabia is also known as what?

The Empty Quarter. The other great sandy desert in Saudi Arabia is the Nafud, in the north-northeast part of the country.

A very large percentage of Jordan's population are of _______ origin.

Palestinian.

What was the last Crusader stronghold to be taken by the Mamluks in 1291?

Acre.

The Krac des Chevaliers is located in which country?

Syria. If you are ever in Syria, don't miss this former Crusader stronghold of the Knights of the Hospital.

Which Middle Eastern country has the second largest proven petroleum reserves?

Iraq. Saudi Arabia is first, Iran is third, Abu Dhabi is fourth.

Which noted Arabian explorer wrote the book 'Arabian Sands'?

Wilfred Thesiger.

What was the name of the dynasty that ruled the Hejaz under the Ottoman Empire, and that still rules in Jordan today?

Hashemite. Hussain Ibn Ali was the original Sherif of Mecca, defeated in 1924 by Ibn Saud, future King of Saudi Arabia.