Know the Past and Present of Bedouins with Dubai Holidays

Posted by Amanda Sutcliffe on February 26th, 2020

Dubai has received worldwide attention in recent times owing to its ultra-modern entertainment facilities and towering skyscrapers, the most famous being the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa. This Emirati city also has a history that's equally fascinating and dates back to the times of ancient seafarers and nomadic tribes. However, the Bedouins never fail to catch the attention of a curious tourist or a history buff who is in the city to explore its culture and an interesting past of this region. You'll also get some astonishing insights into the lives of these nomadic desert dwellers when you are in this part of the United Arab Emirates.

They are called 'Bedawi' in Arabic and are the oldest residents of the Arabian deserts who travelled through the seemingly endless dunes. In the past, they journeyed thousands of miles and looked up to the sun and the stars for a proper direction. Even today, these people are well-known for their hospitality and survival tactics in the face of harsh weather and a challenging environment of the desert. During your Dubai holidays, you'll get to know more about the Bedouins while on a desert safari. Such tours also allow tourists to interact with these people and experience their way of life.

It would come as a surprise for you that Bedouins could know the footsteps of an animal, man, woman, boy, or a girl through their amazing distinguishing capabilities. They often had to face extreme heat and water scarcity in the desert, which gave them the ability to utilise whatever they had for their protection and survival. Different kinds of desert plants and trees were used for a variety of purposes, such as constructing homes, shades, and shelter. Camels that are known as 'ships of the desert' were used as modes of transport, symbols of wealth, and sources of food. Hides of these animals were used for making warm clothes, tents, and shoes. 

Camel milk is abundant in nutrients and was used to make clarified butter or yoghurt, while their hair was woven into rugs. One of the traditions of Bedouins that has survived over the years is Falconry. These nomadic people had discovered the immense speed, power, and focus of a falcon and used these mighty birds as highly effective hunting tools. You can get to experience this ancient tradition while on a desert safari during your Dubai holidays. These wild birds are turned into great hunters through meticulous taming and training processes.

You'll also admire the fact that the Bedouins are extremely proud people and have their age-old code of honour with a strong sense of loyalty to their tribe, clan, and immediate families. Men carry out the task of trading and protecting the tribe, while women stay at home, prepare food, raise children, and manage the household. These people are renowned for their welcoming nature and hospitality. Any individual who visits their home is greeted well and treated with great respect. When you are the guest of a Bedouin, you'll also be treated with some fabulous Emirati delicacies, such as cooked meat served with bread or rice, coffee, and dates.