For many generations, the desert of Wadi Rum has been home to the Zalabieh tribe, one of the main Bedouin tribes living in the region today. The tribe is an Arab Bedouin community whose origins trace back to the Hijaz in the Arabian Peninsula.

In the past, the Bedouins of the Zalabieh tribe did not live in the village as they do today. Instead, they lived across the open desert of Wadi Rum, moving between valleys and mountains with their animals and setting up traditional Bedouin tents (Beit Al-Sha’ar) in different places depending on the season. Their lives were closely connected to the desert, its land, and its natural resources.

Around 300 years ago, the tribe settled in the Wadi Rum region because the desert offered a suitable environment for living. The area provided open land, natural shelter between mountains, and important water sources such as Lawrence’s Spring, which helped both people and animals survive in the desert.

Members of the Zalabieh tribe also participated in the Great Arab Revolt (1916), supporting the Arab forces during the historic uprising against the Ottoman Empire. The desert of Wadi Rum and the surrounding areas were part of the routes and landscapes connected to this important period in the history of the region.

For a long time, Bedouin families continued living mainly in the desert rather than in permanent houses. However, this began to change during the time of King Hussein bin Talal, who encouraged the settlement of Bedouin communities across Jordan.

During this period, a small village was established in Wadi Rum to provide a more stable place for local families. The government helped develop the area by building basic facilities, including a fort (police post) to maintain security, as well as a health center and a school for the community.

Over time, many Bedouin families from the Zalabieh tribe moved to the village while still maintaining their strong connection with the desert. Even today, many people continue to work in the desert as guides, drivers, and hosts for visitors exploring Wadi Rum.

Today the Zalabieh tribe remains the main Bedouin community in Wadi Rum, with an estimated population of around 3,000 people. Their traditions, knowledge of the desert, and hospitality remain an important part of the experience for travelers visiting this extraordinary landscape.