Your Unique Wadi Rum Experience

Bedouin Life

Bedouin Life & culture

The area surrounding Wadi Rum is home to several Bedouin tribes. The local Zalabieh and Zuwaydeh Bedouin.  The land in Wadi Rum is occupied primarily by these two tribes who are an offshoot of the Aneizat in Saudi Arabia, although often said to be related to the great Howeitat Tribe. The Howeitat hold all the area around Wadi Rum from Taba in Egypt, north to Al Husseinyer on the Desert Highway, and well into Saudi Arabia to the south.

History of the Bedouin at Wadi Rum

Although most Bedouins in Wadi Rum have a family home in the village, many families also maintain traditional homes out– and inside the Protected Area.  Most families have strong ties to “rural desert life” and also retain old cultural practices - and values.

Bedouin people are extremely hospitable and proud of their culture. During a visit to Wadi Rum is a wonderful opportunity experience the cultural diversity of Bedouin peoples.

Life styles and culture

Nomads and herders

The playing of the traditional Loot guitar is a popular leisure time activity.

Abu Yasser Mohammed Azalapia, the father of the family depicted in the picture, has written a landmark book about Bedouin history, currently available in Arabic only.

Goat and sheep herding is still common amongst Bedouin people.

The baking of a traditional flat bread on an open coal fire can be experienced at Wadi Rum.

Although prohibited in the Protected Area, hunting has been an important part of desert life for centuries.

Although tourism has become an important contributor to Bedouin livelihoods, goat and sheep “pastoralism” is still a lifestyle for many families. The co-habitation of domestic and wild animals in a Protected Area, as the integration of local peoples in the management and utilization of a conservation status are novel in Wadi Rum,, and the observation of these associations provide for interesting vacation material. 

Contact: Tyseer Mohammed Azalapia, Mobile: +962 777946394, e-mail: Tyseer@bedouinlife-jordan.com

© Bedouin Life Jordan, 2006