Arabah, Desert valley between Negev highlands and Edom Mountains, Israel and Jordan.
The Arabah is a long desert valley stretching from the Gulf of Aqaba to the Dead Sea, forming a natural border between Israel and Jordan. The terrain shows steep rocky sides with bare mountains rising above a narrow floor where sparse plants survive.
The valley was an important center for copper mining in ancient times, with evidence of extensive mining and metalworking activities spanning centuries. These operations made the region a valuable trade corridor connecting distant civilizations.
The valley serves as a natural border between Israel and Jordan, marked by the 1994 Peace Treaty that established cooperation zones for agricultural development.
The region is very dry and requires good preparation for visits, with limited water and shade across long stretches. Sturdy shoes and protective clothing are important since the sun is intense and the ground stays uneven throughout.
The valley is an important resting place for migrating birds like plovers and cranes that stop here during their long journeys between continents. Bird watchers find interesting species year-round in this passage area.
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