Meet Ahmed Al Zalabieh | Tourist guide in the Wadi Rum desert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ahmed Al Zalabieh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ahmed, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The answer to this question is relatively simple! My business is located in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. We work as a family with my wife, who is French, and my brothers Yazan, Yassin and Ali! We are committed to taking all travellers on a journey into the extraordinary world of the Wadi Rum desert, but above all to introducing them to the local Bedouin culture. I am part of the last generation to have been born and raised in the desert. Until I was 18, I was a shepherd, looking after our family’s flocks. It was our livelihood! Then tourism arrived, and everyone saw it as a fantastic opportunity to improve their living conditions.

Today’s young people live in the village. It is therefore our duty to keep our traditions alive, so that our nomadic way of life can continue over time despite the evolution of society and digitalisation.

That’s why we offer immersive stays for a unique experience, far from the tourist trails, but above all in complete simplicity. It is also the best way to take in the sights and understand the Bedouin way of life. We see the desert changing, with large hotels and swimming pools. But is this really the desert? In my opinion, the desert should remain raw and simple. I continue to support the families who live in the desert all year round. There are only seven left, so it is up to us to help them!

In the past, anything could be used as currency. Today, everything is done with money! These families do not always have the resources they need to support themselves. My family and I buy them animals, cheese, milk, or simply bring them rice and clothes. We adapt to their needs. We grew up in a community, and we must take care of each other so that our cultural heritage does not disappear!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I was little, I didn’t learn English. I went to school, but to be honest, I didn’t learn anything. Until I was 18, I worked as a shepherd to help my family. I would spend my days in the desert with the goats and sheep. On top of that, we had to take care of the camels. Then I wanted to give myself a chance to work in tourism. The problem? I didn’t speak a word of English. But someone gave me a chance. I started out as a cook for trekking groups. This allowed me to be in contact with travellers and familiarise myself with English. Then, the more comfortable I became, the more responsibility I was given. Until I became a freelance guide. So yes, it’s not a career progression as we understand it in the world of work, but it’s mine! Today, I am bilingual in English, I have managed to set up my own business, which supports the Bedouin community as well as my family, and I am proud of it! Nothing is easy, especially in the very demanding world of tourism. You always have to be on top form and smile even when things aren’t going well. And ultimately, it’s also a great life lesson!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit me in Jordan, and more specifically in the Wadi Rum desert, I would take him to live like a Bedouin! We would spend the week in our Bedouin tent in the middle of the desert. No internet connection, no mobile network, no shower or toilet, but a splendid view of the desert mountains! We would take the animals out to graze, milk the camels, climb the mountains to admire the views, gather wild thyme for our tea, and light a fire to keep warm and, above all, to cook. And of course, we would end up sleeping under the Milky Way! A timeless life to enjoy the present moment.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say my wife! We always said that we would never work together so that our professional and personal lives would remain separate. However, without her, I wouldn’t be able to develop my business! She helps me manage social media and respond to customers because I know she always has the little touch that I don’t have! We’ve found our balance, but above all, I’ve found resilience in her! Since 2023, tourism has been declining in Jordan, which has had a major impact on our lives. But my wife never gives up! She continues to move mountains so that we can continue to share what is most dear to us: Bedouin culture! And yet she is not Bedouin. At least, she is not by blood, but she is by heart! I admire her for her unconditional support and her always appropriate words. As you can see, there is no great man without a great woman!

Website: https://www.lifadventurewadirum.com/

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