Ships of the Desert - In Celebration of Camels in Wadi Rum

Camels are the "Ships of the Desert", woven into the very fabric of Jordanian culture tracing back to the ancient Arab trade routes that bridged the East and the West. Camel caravans laden with silk, spices, foods, plants, perfumes, incense, and other luxury goods embarked on epic odysseys over vast distances through South Arabia and Bilad Al Sham across the Silk Road, Spice Route, and Incense Route to be shipped across the Mediterranean. These routes made Arabia the cradle of trade, along which, oasis towns (or caravanserai) flourished into vibrant cities like Palmyra and Petra, and where international marketplaces became centers of society where merchants met and cultures collided, forging connections that transcended borders for millennia.

Beyond commerce, these trade routes were the communications highways of the ancient world; not only transporting for trade, but also transferring innovation, ideas, knowledge, art, culture, languages, and social customs. Its beating heart? The humble camel. These majestic creatures symbolize mobility, connectivity, resilience, and the very essence of heritage. Their rhythmic footsteps echoed through time, carrying the weight of civilizations and the promise of prosperity. The United Nations opened a momentous window and declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. As we gather in the Valley of the Moon to celebrate the legacy of these remarkable creatures and the Bedouin communities who breed them, we are organizing an awareness event that revolves around three pivotal themes:

1. Sustainable Mobility - where we delve into the past, embrace the present, and envision the future, from ancient caravans to cutting-edge vehicles

2. Food Culture & Sustainable Gastronomy - just as spices once crossed continents, we savor the flavors of tradition and innovation on a bespoke culinary journey with 100% local and 100% seasonal products from-farm-to-fork

3. Responsible Tourism - against the backdrop of the desert canvas we explore how responsible travel can preserve both nature's beauty and cultural heritage.