Wadi Hadramawt

Introducing Wadi Hadramawt

After so much sun-blasted desert, arriving in the vast Wadi Hadramawt, a dry river valley lined with lush oases, is like entering another world. In an instant, sterility is replaced by fertility and ochre browns give way to disco greens. It’s the sort of place where stories can grow tall and magic and mystery seem to permeate the very air. It was originally populated by a race of giants called ’Ad who, according to legend, were given wealth unlike anyone else. But instead of thanking God for his generosity, they wasted their time worshipping idols, building fabulous cities and generally running about living life like it was meant to be fun. In retaliation for this behaviour God sent violent winds, tremendous sandstorms and, according to some sources, a plague of dog-sized ants who tore the ’Adites apart limb by limb. With a past like this, it’s hardly surprising to learn that this magic kingdom has skyscrapers built of mud, camels that turn into rocks and honey that tastes of liquid gold.