Bedouin of Wadi Rum

Virtually all the people living in and around Wadi Rum are of Bedouin origin and, until quite recently, led nomadic lives that relied on their goat, sheep, and camel herds. Tribal ties are still as strong as ever, with the villagers all belonging to one of seven tribal groups. Rum village is the only village inside the protected area, and the Bedouin here are responsible for tourism services and operate many of the jeep and camel tours. These services are organized through the Rum Tourism Cooperative, a locally run society that shares the tourism business between the villagers.

Even though most local Bedouin have become villagers, they still maintain goat herds for milk, meat and 'jameed', a type of yogurt. For parts of the year, some families or family members return to a wandering existence with their flocks. Few, however, are able to continue a truly nomadic existence today and the traditional Bedouin lifestyle is fast disappearing. However, the famous hospitality of the Bedouin is still alive and well; when you visit Wadi Rum, people will treat you like family.