Three desert tribes call Bir Shalatein home, the Bisharin, Ababda and Rashayda peoples. And while there are similarities among the three, there are many differences too. Bisharin and Ababda are members of the Beja ethnic group and a close kin of the ancient Egyptians. The Rashayda, on the other hand, hail from Saudi Arabia and are of Arab descent. The Bisharin and Ababda have a huge crown of fuzzy hair. Members of the Rashayda tribe wear colorful fabrics and silver jewelry. The Rashayda are great swordsman and show off their dueling skills at festivals and celebrations. All three tribes are nomadic meaning they move from one place to another never staying long in a single location. They herd animals such as cattle, goats, camels and donkeys and trade animals, crafts and rugs. And while all three tribes speak Arabic, the Bisharin prefer their native language called Rotana.