BEDOUINS OF THE EMPTY QUARTER

Al Mahrah, Yemen. 2020-2021.

The Rub’ al Khali or “Empty Quarter” is Arabia’s largest and most unforgiving desert. Stretching thousands of kilometres between four countries in the Arabian Peninsula, very few people live in this region.

For those not working in the oil fields, life has changed little over the last several hundred years. Camels, fire, family, goats, tribal traditions and Islam dominate life for the few Bedouins of the Empty Quarter.

The ethnic Mehri Bedouin live in the desert along the border between Yemen, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, raising camels and goats. They stick to their tribal traditions, speak Mehri, a rare South Arabian language, and follow ancient land claims. These people know the desert better than anyone I’ve ever met. Life is not easy out here, but after living with the people here, I have learned to appreciate the solace of the desert and the comfort of family.

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