Bedouin Life Now

Bedouin History | Bedouin Food | Bedouin Law | Bedouin Family Life

With the influence of tourism and the ongoing development of Sinai, most Bedouins have changed their way of life. The majority of Bedouins are now based in Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and St Catherine.

As a fixed daily schedule is not necessarily preferable to people with nomadic traditions, most are working as drivers, guides, divers etc. Many Bedouin families also have an indirect income from tourism as landlords of hotels, restaurants and private houses.

However, there are still small communities living a traditional life in the desert and mountain valleys in the Sinai. Natural resources and basic facilities such as food, clean water, health care and education are scares, and many live in severe poverty.

The transition to modern life is frequently discussed amongst the Bedouins themselves. Many would claim that the price development has been high and that they are about to lose their unique culture and traditions. Although life has changed considerably, many make an effort to also take part in the annual goat herding in the mountains in the spring time, fishing by the sea and spending time in the desert.