Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times, with many cultures–including the Nabateans–leaving their mark in the form of rock paintings, graffiti, and temples.

In the West, Wadi Rum may be best known for its connection with British officer T. E. Lawrence, who passed through several times during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18. In the 1980s one of the rock formations in Wadi Rum was named “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom” after Lawrence’s book penned in the aftermath of the war, though the ‘Seven Pillars’ referred to in the book have no connection with Rum.

Film History in Wadi Rum

Lawrence of Arabia – David Lean filmed much of this 1962 film on location in Wadi Rum.
Red Planet – Wadi Rum was used as the surface of Mars in this 2000 film.
Passion in the Desert – The area was also used for scenes in this 1998 film.
The Face – BBC Film, Rock climbing in Rum, featuring Wadi Rum pioneers Tony Howard and Di Taylor.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – represented as being in Egypt
The Frankincense Trail – scenes from train, and aerial filming too
Prometheus – scenes for the Alien Planet
Krrish 3 – the song ‘Dil Tu Hi Bata’
May in the Summer – a film by Cherien Dabis presented at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Long shots of Wadi Rum set the mood for the film, it’s a place where the main character finds peace away from the world and within herself.
The Last Days on Mars – filming for exterior shots representing the surface of the titular planet for this 2013 film.
The Martian – filming for the Ridley Scott film began in March 2015, for shots that stood in for the surface of Mars.
Matt Damon on Wadi Rum:
“ I was in awe of that place. It was really, really special. One of the most spectacular and beautiful places I have ever seen, and like nothing I’ve ever seen anywhere else on Earth. ”
Theeb – It was filmed entirely in Wadi Rum.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the area was used for scenes set on Jedha.
Aladdin (2019 film)