Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, Wadi Rum Desert

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Jebel Umm Al Ishrin

Wadi Rum


The deeply crevassed ‘Mother of Twenty’, a 20-domed mountain forming the east flank of Wadi Rum, is connected to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom formation. There are differing stories about how the mountain acquired its name but one claims it was down to a woman who killed 19 suitors; she was outwitted by the 20th, so she married him. The whole range turns a magnificent white-capped auburn during sunset.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Wadi Rum attractions

1. Kharazeh Canyon

0.95 MILES

Kharazeh Canyon, one of the mighty incisions in Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, is a popular hiking destination. Guides and agencies offer a day hike (around seven…

2. Thamudic & Kufic Rock Art

1.01 MILES

Adorning the west-facing vertical rock face of Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, this wonderful set of petroglyphs is worth the detour on a 4WD excursion. While the…

3. Rakhabat Canyon

1.4 MILES

Close to Rum village, the labyrinthine siqs of Rakhabat Canyon give access to the heart of Jebel Umm Al Ishrin.

4. Anfaishiyya Inscriptions

2.14 MILES

The Anfaishiyya inscriptions are scratched into the smooth surface of a huge, vertical rock face.

5. Nabataean Temple

2.22 MILES

On a small hill in Rum village, about 400m behind the Rest House (follow the telephone poles), are the limited ruins of a 2000-year-old temple, dedicated…

6. Makharas Canyon

2.24 MILES

This attractive canyon threads through the rock massive known as Seven Pillars of Wisdom and makes for an interesting hike from the visitor centre.

7. Lawrence’s Spring

2.26 MILES

This spring, on the edge of the open sands, is a regular stop on the 4WD circuit. Alternatively, it can be reached on a soft sand hike from the Rest House…

8. Al Hasany Dunes

2.46 MILES

While there are dunes in several places around Wadi Rum, the most striking are the red sands that bank up against Jebel Umm Ulaydiyya. If you are on a 4WD…