Queen Rania of Jordan and her daughter, Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, are offering a rare and striking look at their lives. In new photos, the two visited Wadi Rum, the protected desert region located in southern Jordan, often referred to as the Valley of the Moon.
The visit took place on Wednesday, when the queen and the Hashemite princess traveled through the UNESCO World Heritage site, meeting with local tour operators and exploring several of the cultural, historical, and recreational experiences available to visitors from Jordan and abroad. Images from the trip quickly circulated internationally, highlighting the area’s dramatic natural beauty and its importance to the country’s tourism.
Wadi Rum is one of the world’s most distinctive desert landscapes, known for its vast sandstone mountains, red-gold dunes, hiking and rock-climbing routes, and deeply rooted Bedouin traditions. It is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Jordan and lies about an hour’s drive from the coastal city of Aqaba and roughly two hours from the ancient city of Petra.
Queen Rania and Princess Salma began their visit aboard an authentic recreation of an Ottoman-era Hijaz Railway steam train, operated by the Jordan Heritage Revival Co. The experience included a reenactment of a battle from the Great Arab Revolt, offering a historical perspective on a railway that once played a key role in the region.
During the train journey, Muayyad Abu Rumman, chief executive of the Jordan Heritage Revival Co., briefed the queen and princess on the organization’s mission. Established in 2010 by the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, the company focuses on strengthening local tourism by bringing Jordanian history to life through interactive and educational experiences.
Following a short pickup truck ride deeper into the desert, the queen and princess joined local tour operators around a bonfire, where they discussed the unique offerings of Wadi Rum, from adventure tourism to cultural experiences rooted in Bedouin heritage. The pair were also seen observing visitors rock climbing and learning more about stargazing opportunities, another major draw of the region.
Wadi Rum has also become a sought-after filming location for international productions. Its otherworldly terrain has served as the backdrop for major film productions, including "Dune: Part One" and "Part Two," two Star Wars films, and "The Martian."
A growing role for Princess Salma in the Royal Family
The visit comes as the region looks ahead to an expected high tourism season, which begins in March. Visitor numbers and revenue declined in 2024 amid broader regional instability, though tourism officials say the area is beginning to rebound.
The trip also reflects Princess Salma’s expanding public role. The third of four children of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, Salma has taken on increasing national and international responsibilities, including military service as Jordan’s first female pilot and recent appearances alongside her father on official engagements abroad.
As duties within the royal family continue to shift, Salma has emerged as a visible and steady presence alongside her mother in representing the kingdom at home and beyond.