By Siham Al Saidi
Oman’s Bedouin lifestyle stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a remarkable people, offering a gateway to the allure of the desert and the richness of a vibrant culture. As the world seeks authentic encounters and meaningful connections, venturing into the realm of Oman’s Bedouins promises a transformative journey — one that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who embark upon it.
Many tourists are now making a stop in Al Sharqiyah Governorate, particularly in Bidiya intrigued by what a Bedouin lifestyle is like. Stepping into the heart of Bedouin communities allows travellers to unlock the secrets of a bygone era, delving into a world of customs, traditions, and values steeped in history. The Bedouins, known for their resilience and adaptability, have meticulously preserved traditional practices that have been passed down through generations.
With their deep-rooted nomadic traditions and symbiotic relationship with the desert, the Bedouins offer visitors a remarkable opportunity for cultural immersion and unparalleled desert exploration.
One of the tents that have become the centre of attraction is the household of Umm Said, now a visible topic on Google and across social media, when she opened her doors and allow non-Bedus to have access to their cultures and traditions.
Umm Said is in her sixties and lives in an old traditional and beautiful tent that has now become a prominent fixture in the dunes of Al Sharqiyah. Regardless of the remoteness of her home, people from far and wide make a stopover not only to see what a Bedu’s home looks like but also to access her crafts and enjoy a cup of authentic coffee served inside the majlis area of their humble abode.
“Welcoming tourists from different countries and nationalities to our home makes me very happy and the more that I can share our lifestyle and some of our traditions without charge and seeing them happy as a response motivates me to keep the doors open,” she shared.
“As a luxury travel operator, visiting Umm Said’s tent has been a very important part of our itinerary and is also frequently requested by our clients. There’s truly a great interest to see and enjoy the traditional Bedu lifestyle and of course, to have interaction with Umm Said herself,” shared Andrew Tharwat, manager of Jawharat Bidiyah Resort, one of the luxury resorts based in the area.
“This interest from our guests also encouraged me to visit Umm Said with my family and I was surprised that Umm Said can speak good English to share and express her ideas as well as details of her culture,” he added.
“It’s fascinating to see that upon entering her home, coffee and dates are always ready for tourists who are visiting and she keeps offering them as a sign of hospitality and warmth,” Andrew said.
“I’d been organising desert trips since 2017 and since then, Umm Said’s house has become a famous landmark in Al Sharqiyah. I brought people from around the world to her home and there is a genuine interest to learn about the Bedouin lifestyle. While she’s hidden behind her burqa, her hospitality and welcoming character is a great representation of Bedouin culture and it’s always great to see her wearing a smile when she interacts with the guests,” Talal al Aleabm, one of the tour agency owners, said.
While her tent may not be a very big one, Umm Said is known for her big heart. Part of the immersive experience includes allowing guests to taste some of the traditional Omani dishes, and camel’s milk as well as try on some of the Omani traditional costumes.
Having collected unique and beautiful artefacts in her lifetime, Umm Said’s house also has become a living museum where guests can see old and antique pieces of things that Bedouins used in the past some of which are over 50 years old.
There is also an opportunity to try henna tattoos on the lady’s hands.
The experience is free of charge not only for Omanis but also for international guests because for Umm Said, “As an Omani, it’s a shame for us to charge guests when they visit our house. As hosts, it is our honour to be of service and welcoming them properly is a priority to all Omani people. It’s part of our tradition.”
One of the most unforgettable experiences Umm Said has when it comes to welcoming guests was way back 30 years ago when they helped a European family who got stuck in the desert. The heat of the desert had totally depleted the family’s energy that they felt very relieved and thankful to be welcomed into their home.
“I had to come and use my hand fan so they can feel cool a little bit. The family has come to visit me several years later and they always stop by whenever they are in Oman,” she shared.
“To see them remember you and come again for a visit after so many years, it means a lot to me,” she said.
“There were some guests who had a sleepover at the house as they wanted to experience one night in an authentic Bedouin tent. It was great to give them the experience. The only time I’m worried is during the times when it rains and we have guests in the house. I always hope that the tent is strong and safe enough for the guests to enjoy their stay,” she said.
Now as an established attraction, Umm Said definitely needed government and private entities’ support to ensure the maintenance and safety of her home.
Umm Said is one of Oman’s unsung heroes who continually paint the beautiful and welcoming nature of the Omanis not just to local guests but most especially those coming from other countries.
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