If the Arabs hadn't happened to settle down on top of the oil they would not have any more significance than Pacific Aborigines
What an insult to Pacific Aborigines, who would come out much more significant.
When I lived in Israel back in the 70's we used a new technology called drippers. I was at a kibbutz about 30 clicks north of Eilot. We manufactured drippers and used them extensively in our fields.
The drippers were connected in series to a pumping station that mixed the water with chemicals and was pumped into the system. Each dripper was placed by each plant. This prevented evaporation and gave each plant exactly what it needed to grow in the sandy environment.
Spraying water in 110 degree weather would evaporate too fast. The dripper method was much more efficient. In adddition, we lined the fields with plastic a month before planting to kill everything living in the sand. Was a great technology for the 70's.