Kai Reisen: Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum Jordan

People have inhabited Rum for thousands of years, enduring its severe conditions. They've been hunters, herders, farmers, and traders, given Rum's proximity to national borders. The renowned Nabateans once resided in Rum, leaving behind several structures, including a temple. The locals gained fame when they joined the Arab revolt forces under King Faisal's leadership and fought alongside Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt (1917/18) against the occupying Turkish and German armies. Lawrence frequently mentions Wadi Rum in his book 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom,' a title seemingly inspired by one of Rum's towering mountains. Lawrence's exploits have become part of local folklore, with some popular tourist sites named after him, although whether he used these exact sites is subject to debate. Almost all the people living in and around Wadi Rum today are of Bedouin origin and, until recently, led nomadic lives, depending on their goat herds. They are resourceful, welcoming people who have largely contributed to developing Wadi Rum as a tourist destination. Recognizing Wadi Rum's unique natural and cultural history and the crucial role of tourism in the local economy, the Jordanian government declared Wadi Rum a protected area in 1998. With support from the World Bank, they commissioned the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, a national NGO, to prepare a conservation plan and assemble a team of locals to manage the area. This team, now under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, is pioneering ways to restore and protect Rum's delicate desert habitats from increasing human pressure.

Recommended airport

Aqaba King Hussein Intl (AQJ)

Nearby destinations