the region deviates widely from the world trend in wheat consumption where on average the percapita consumption is almost double that of the world average this higher wheat consumption translates into its elevated contribution to the calorie and protein intake of the population although the tendency is to think of the arab region as homogenous in their diet habits and food preferences a closer look at the data shows some discrepancies for example while generally there is high reliance on wheat across all countries the gcc countries tend to have moderate contribution of rice to the calorie and protein intake with per cent and per cent respectively in kuwait per cent and per cent in the united arab emirates and per cent and per cent in saudi arabia