Bedouins in Oman
Bedouins in Oman
Classically viewed, a Bedouin is a desert dweller who wanders as a nomad through the desert. Historically, nomads generally moved from grazing land to grazing land to ensure the survival of their herds and their respective tribe. The people in the coastal regions of Oman settled down long ago. In the fishing villages and smaller trading ports, people have lived as 'Hadr' for centuries—a term used to describe settled coastal dwellers. The Bedu (the term for desert tribes in Oman), on the other hand, have mostly settled down in recent decades.
How many Bedouins are there in Oman?
The country is vast, measured by the number of inhabitants, and offers almost as much space as the Federal Republic of Germany. The desert regions of the country are hardly populated. Here you only meet the desert tribes who have always inhabited these regions of the country. However, the economic boom in the country, which has progressed rapidly in recent years, has led to significant rural exodus. Today, about 5% of the population still live as 'nomads' in the deserts of Oman.
How do the Bedouins live in Oman?
The Bedouins in Oman are no longer the classic nomads. The people in the desert regions today live in stone houses and no longer in tents. They rarely travel through the land on their camels—rather, they enjoy the freedom that cars and other motorized vehicles provide. This allows them to quickly move from one grazing ground to another and relocate their herds as needed without having to move their homes as well.
In addition, a number of desert dwellers work in the tourism industry. Some are seasonally coastal dwellers for part of the year and are found in their villages in the desert outside the main season. Nevertheless, the Bedouins in Oman have retained a good part of their spirit and attitude. While they also use cars and the wonders of modern communication and information technology, they still lead a life closely connected to their history, tradition, and nature like few other population groups in the world.
Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home
Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.
We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.
From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.
Experts for your Oman trip
You might also like this
Bulls of Batina in Oman
The Batina plain in the Sultanate of Oman is a 250 km long coastal section in the north of Oman. The region borders the Emirate of Fujairah to the north and the Governorate of Muscat to the south. The Batina plain is the agricultural center of Oman, as citrus fruits, dates, mangoes, bananas, and tomatoes grow here. Additionally, it is the second most populous region of the country with about 1.2 million inhabitants. Together with the adjacent capital region of Muscat, approximately 3.7 million people live here. The regional capital is Sohar, known for its beautiful mosque and deep-sea port. A...
Nizwa Fort
The Fort of Nizwa is definitely one of the most remarkable sights of the small town. The tower of the fort can be seen from afar. With a diameter of 45 meters and a height of 35 meters, it is not only the largest structure of the oasis of Nizwa, which it far surpasses, but it is also the mightiest tower in all of Oman. Similar to other castle and fortifications in the area, this tower was built under Sultan bin Saif bin Malik al-Ya´aruba in the mid-17th century. The construction of this impressive fortification took around twelve years. The residential complexes of the fort are significantly o...
Women in Oman
Between Tradition and Modernity Oman – a country where fascinating traditions meet modernity, set against breathtaking landscapes and a culture of warm hospitality that continues to attract more and more solo female travelers. For women who love exploring the world independently, Oman offers something unique: safety, freedom, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s cultural traditions. Here, you can travel solo with ease, experience authentic interactions with locals, and explore vibrant women’s markets where the local life thrives....