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
Modern Times
In 1970, Sultan Qaboos ibn Said deposed his father and became the new ruler of the Sultanate of Oman. After his death in January 2020, his cousin Haitham ibn Tariq succeeded him. With oil revenues as the basis, the Sultan managed to nearly revolutionize the country in just a few decades through infrastructure, education and health. To this day, citizens honor their head of state for his remarkable efforts....
Vaccinations and Health Precautions for Oman
A well-prepared trip starts with the right health precautions—this is just as true for a journey to Oman as for any other destination. While Oman is considered a safe place to visit, travelers should still take certain vaccinations and health measures into account to ensure a worry-free stay. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of recommended vaccinations, potential health risks, and essential preventive measures. It caters to different types of travelers, from business visitors and adventure seekers to families with children. Additionally, there are special recommendations for long-...
Wadi Shab
Not far from Wadi Tiwi, travelers who enjoy hiking can explore Wadi Shab. Particularly for sport and nature-loving tourists, a hike in Wadi Shab is interesting. The breathtaking rocks and dreamy waterfalls amidst a green and palm-fringed landscape impress every visitor. After a twenty-minute hike and a distance of fifteen kilometers, you will reach snow-white cliffs that are threaded with crevices and caves. A turquoise stream supplies small settlements and orchards with fresh water and flows into fantastic waterfalls. After an hour on foot, you can relax in a pool of crystal-clear mountain w...