RIYADH, (AFP) - King Fahd of Saudi Arabia has exhorted his people to pray for rain, the official Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.
"Due to the lateness in the coming of the rain this year, and in accordance with the tradition of Prophet Mohammed," Saudis are asked to pray for rain on Monday, said a statement from the king carried by the agency.

Saudi Arabia is one of the driest countries in the world, containing within its borders the desert known as the Rub al-Khali desert, or the Empty Quarter.

Prayers for rain are common during the winter months in the Arabian peninsula, which depends on rainfall and underground water resources for irrigation. Most drinking water is obtained by desalinating sea water.