Dickson forms part of that tradition of British writers and travellers - Burton, Doughty, T.E. Lawrence, Bertram Thomas, H. St. John Philby, Gertrude Bell, Freya Stark, Thesiger - who became fascinated by Arabia and the Arabs, often espousing their causes and aspirations. Himself a fluent Arabic speaker, A classic of the literature, it introduces the reader to the cultural life of Arabia, with chapters on hawking, food, smoking, pearl diving, nomad life, the Haj, the Arab horse, proverbs, and much else. Dickson throughout his writing expresses his deep admiration for Sheikh Salim Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah of Kuwait.