Some excellent photos of the proud Bedouins of the Rub' al-Khali. One of the most ancient of peoples. Some photos are 40-35 years old photos.
Amazing portraits.
It is said that Bedouin hospitality is second to none in this world. It is famed across the world and has been romanticized in movies, poems, songs etc. Both in the Arab world and elsewhere. They are sometimes blamed for some ills but by heart they are lovely people.
Bedouins are also great musicians, story tellers, poets, comedians and artists. Also famed warriors. One of the best in history. They formed the backbone of many Islamic armies throughout the ages.
Also an interesting thing that I have noticed is that quite a few Bedouins in Arabia have red/reddish/ginger hair which is almost unheard of among any other people in Arabia. Where this comes from I have no idea.
Another thing is that many non-Bedouin Arabs and foreigners seem to insult Bedouins frequently which I do not understand why as I am sure that they have never met any.
They are also one of the biggest survivors of this world that live in a very harsh environment. Their lifestyle is dying out but I hope that at least some will survive in let's say 50 years of time from now on.
In KSA very few are left and those who are left, very, very few of them, are "real" Bedouins. Nowadays many engage in farming and cattle work. They love pickup trucks too, LOL.
Anyway even to this day many Saudi Arabians, especially from Najd, like to go on desert safaris and picnics in the weekend.