Queen Rania and Princess Salma Explore Unesco-Listed Wadi Rum on Steam Train

Queen Rania and Princess Salma just turned a regular desert visit into a full-on history-and-culture moment in Jordan’s Wadi Rum.

The royal duo toured the Unesco-listed desert this week, meeting local tour operators, soaking up Bedouin traditions, and hopping aboard a historic steam train that dates back to the Ottoman era.

A Desert That Feels Out of This World

Wadi Rum—also known as the Valley of the Moon—is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs and red sands that look straight out of a sci-fi movie. It earned Unesco World Heritage status in 2011 and has since become one of Jordan’s biggest tourism magnets.

During the visit, Queen Rania and Princess Salma explored activities offered by locals, including hiking routes, rock climbing spots, and immersive Bedouin experiences designed for visitors.

Riding the Historic Hejaz Railway

One of the standout moments was their ride on the Hejaz Railway steam train, a relic from the Ottoman era that once linked Damascus to Madinah.

The experience included a live reenactment of a battle from the Great Arab Revolt of 1916, bringing a key chapter of regional history to life. The railway is also set for a revival under a joint agreement between Turkey, Syria, and Jordan.

Bonfires, Keffiyehs, and Desert Style

After the train ride, the royals sat with local operators around a bonfire, keeping things relaxed and personal.

Queen Rania later shared her thoughts online, calling Wadi Rum one of the most breathtaking places on Earth and an easy must-see for anyone already visiting Petra.

Both she and Princess Salma wore practical desert outfits, finishing their looks with red-and-white keffiyehs—proof that comfort and quiet style can go hand in hand.

Hollywood’s Favorite Desert Playground

Just two hours from Petra and an hour from Aqaba, Wadi Rum has also made a name for itself on the big screen.

Its landscapes have doubled as Mars in films like The Martian and Red Planet, and as fictional desert worlds in Star Wars, Dune, and Aladdin.

According to Jordan’s Royal Film Commission, around 600 film projects are shot in Wadi Rum every year, ranging from global blockbusters to ads and music videos.

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