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
Oman's Mountain World
Oman's mountain ranges captivate with a breathtaking variety that appeals to both nature lovers and adventurers alike. The rugged peaks and deep gorges of Jebel Shams, the lush terraces of Jebel Akhdar, and the pristine wilderness of Jebel Samhan offer unforgettable experiences. Whether hiking along secluded trails, enjoying spectacular views, or encountering rare wildlife – Oman’s mountains are a paradise for travelers seeking to experience nature and culture in their purest form. In the following sections, we’ll explore four of the most fascinating mountain regions in the country....
Climate
The climate in the Sultanate of Oman varies from region to region. In the coastal areas of the north and east of the country, it is hot and humid (subtropical climate). The humidity is - 80%. In the desert regions of the interior, which are separated from the north of the country by the Hadjar Mountains it is dry and hot. The south differs significantly from the rest of the country, as the monsoon winds blow here. In Oman, the year can roughly be divided into summer and winter. Summer lasts from May to September. Winter sets in around mid/end of October and lasts until the end of March. The a...
Khasab
In the port city of Khasab, the largest town in the small Omani enclave,Mussandam, more than half of the people who call this region home live. The official numbers fluctuate between 17'500 and 23'000 inhabitants. In any case, Khasab is a small and manageable town that has quite a lot to offer. Those who want to see all the sights and soak up the charm of the city will need two to three days. Khasab – the remote producer “The remote producer” is the approximate translation of the name Khasab into English. The name makes sense, as a significant portion of Oman’s date harvest is gathered in Kh...