Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southwest Jordan. It is the largest wadi in Jordan. The name Rum most likely comes from an Aramaic root meaning 'high' or 'elevated'. To reflect its Arabic pronunciation properly, archaeologists transcribe the name Wadi Ramm.

The area is now also one of Jordan's important tourist destinations, and attracts an increasing number of foreign tourists. In contrast, there are almost no local or Arab tourists. Popular activities in the desert environment include camping under the stars, riding Arab horses, hiking and rock-climbing amongst the massive rock formations. Jabal Rum (1754 metres above sea level) is the highest peak in the area, and the second-highest peak in Jordan. On a clear day, it is possible to see the Red Sea and the Saudi border from the top.

The influx of tourists to this once isolated area has substantially increased the financial fortunes of the Bedouin people, and it is not uncommon to see locals using mobile phones and driving expensive four-wheel drive vehicles.

The village of Wadi Rum consists of several hundred Bedouin inhabitants with their goat-hair tents and concrete houses, a school, a few shops, and the headquarters of the Desert Patrol.