Known in Arabic as “Valley of the Moon”, “Valley of Sand” or “Valley of the high hills” the Wadi Rum desert wilderness covers an area of 720 km2 (278 sq mi). Witness nature’s grandeur as its sandstone and granite mountains protrude like impressive fortresses amidst the rolling sand dunes, creating a cascade of colors as the sun moves through the clear blue sky. After the sun sets and darkness envelopes the desert, take in the sight of millions of stars sparkling in the desert sky, creating a carpet of shimmering lights. This harsh but enchanting land has been inhabited since prehistoric times and it is still home to the nomadic Bedouin tribes that roam through its sands. In the west, the Wadi Rum desert was popularized through the achievements of British officer T. E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, who operated in the area during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18. In recent years, the Wadi Rum has become a firm favorite with Hollywood producers, who have used its otherworldly features to portray alien landscapes and extraterrestrial environments.