A room decorated with traditional rugs, lanterns, and handmade tools inside the “Naseem Al-Bawadi” complex in Samawa, where desert heritage and camping culture are showcased alongside locally crafted and imported items. Photo by 964media.
Desert roots fuel camping gear revival in Samawa
SAMAWA — In the heart of Iraq’s desert, entrepreneur Mohammed Abu Shalaan is reviving Bedouin culture with a fast-growing business dedicated to modern camping and outdoor gear inspired by Iraq’s desert heritage.
“I am a Bedouin from the Samawa desert, and I felt jealous of Gulf countries that care so much about desert heritage and organize desert trips,” Abu Shalaan told 964media. “They provide all the equipment for camping and outdoor life, so I decided to start something similar here.”
His business, “Naseem Al-Bawadi,” manufactures, imports, and sells updated versions of traditional camping equipment, including tents, supply bags, and locally favored teas and spices. “The goal wasn’t financial,” he said. “We wanted to bring attention back to our Iraqi heritage.”
What started as a 3-by-3 meter shop in Al-Khidhir has expanded to a 200-square-meter warehouse, plus branches in Najaf and central Samawa, with new locations in Shirqat, Fallujah, and soon Nasiriyah.
Abu Shalaan said the company now offers full desert kits, including two specially designed supply bags, Bedouin-style and winter tents, and seating sets for groups of 8 to 12 people, all made to withstand rain and cold. “We understand the needs of falconers, herders, and farmers,” he said. “Samawa is the center of Iraq’s desert, so this project comes naturally to us.”
The market welcomed his venture, he added, especially since it broke the pricing monopoly of older suppliers. “Before our project, prices were very high. We brought balance back to the market and now offer global brands at fair prices,” he said.
The store also features culturally rooted items such as small prayer rugs, woven shawls, grain mills, and mortars and pestles. Some of the handcrafts are sourced from Syria and Saudi Arabia. “We Iraqis love handcrafts,” he said. “I wanted to revive this passion because it reminds people of their roots and their families.”