Arabian Gulf facts for kids

Arabian Gulf is a name that can refer to a few different places. It's important to know which one people mean, as it can sometimes be confusing!

• The most common meaning of "Arabian Gulf" is the Persian Gulf. This is a large body of water located in Western Asia. Some Arab countries prefer to call it the "Arabian Gulf" or simply "The Gulf."
• In older maps and books, from ancient times up to the 1800s, "Arabian Gulf" sometimes referred to the Red Sea. This is another important body of water that separates Africa from Asia.
• There's also a specific bay near Alexandria, Egypt, called Khalij el-Arab. This name directly translates to "Arab Gulf" or "The Arabs' Gulf" in English.

What is the Arabian Gulf?

The term "Arabian Gulf" most often refers to the Persian Gulf. This is a large sea that is part of the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.

Why is it called the Persian Gulf?

The name "Persian Gulf" has been used for centuries. It comes from the historical Persian Empire, which was a very powerful empire in the region. Many maps and international organizations still use this name.

Why do some call it the Arabian Gulf?

Some Arab countries prefer the name "Arabian Gulf" because of the strong Arab presence and history along its shores. This difference in naming can sometimes lead to discussions, but both names refer to the same body of water.

Where is the Red Sea?

The Red Sea is a long, narrow sea that stretches between Africa and Asia. It connects to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. In the past, some geographers used the term "Arabian Gulf" to describe this sea.

Why was the Red Sea called the Arabian Gulf?

Historically, especially in ancient times and up to the 19th century, geographical names were not always as standardized as they are today. The Red Sea is bordered by the Arabian Peninsula, which might be why it was sometimes called the "Arabian Gulf" in older texts.

What is Khalij el-Arab?

Khalij el-Arab is a specific bay located near the city of Alexandria in Egypt. Its name literally means "Arab Gulf" or "The Arabs' Gulf." This is a much smaller and more local body of water compared to the Persian Gulf or the Red Sea.

See Also

• The Arabian Sea is a large part of the Indian Ocean, located to the west of India. It is a completely separate body of water and should not be confused with the "Arabian Gulf" or any of its meanings.