Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in south west Jordan. It is the largest wadi in Jordan.

A panorama of Wadi Rum

History

It has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times with many cultures—including the Nabateans—leaving their mark in the form of rock paintings, graffiti and temples. Currently several Bedouin tribes inhabit the area.

In the West, Wadi Rum may be best known for its connection with the British officer T.E. Lawrence, who based his operations in Wadi Rum during the Arab Revolt of 1917-18. David Lean filmed much of the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia on location in Wadi Rum.

A sandstone monument in Wadi Rum

Tourism

The area is now also one of Jordan's important tourist destinations, and attracts an increasing number of foreign tourists. Popular activities in the desert environment include camping under the stars, the riding of Arab horses, hiking and rock-climbing amongst the massive rock formations. Jabal Rum is the highest peak in the area and the 2nd highest in Jordan. A challenging climb of 1754 m.

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

Climbers are especially attracted to Wadi Rum because of its sheer granite and sandstone cliffs, while hikers enjoy its vast empty spaces.

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.

Filming Location

Wadi Rum was used for the film Red Planet as the surface of Mars. The area was also used for scenes in the film Passion in the Desert.