The present study focused on the assessment of soil quality in South Sinai, an arid to extremely arid region, particularly the effect of landform type and vegetation on some of the studied soil properties. Vegetation and soil surveys were carried out in 200 plots selected in 8 different landforms. Soil productivity was evaluated using corn Zea mays seed plantation in greenhouse pot experiment. Some soil properties in addition to nutrients uptake in shoots and roots of corn were analyzed. The obtained results showed a variation in soil texture, water holding capacity, and nutrient elements among different landforms and vegetative cover categories. Soil pH, EC, silt and clay content, water holding capacity, and soil organic matter are the most important soil parameters or driving variables that influence the availability of soil nutrients and control coverage and structure of vegetation. Soil quality index was constructed based on rating of these driving variables. The provided model of soil quality index is specific for surface soil and it could be useful in evaluation and management of soil resources in arid ecosystems. Water availability is shown to be the key variable in controlling soil productivity. Total plant cover and vegetation structure are considered the easy visual indicators for preliminary inspection of soil properties, soil productivity, and soil quality.