
The Principality of Bir Tawil promotes sustainable tourism in the desert, rich as it is in history, culture and uncontaminated nature
Rome, January 30th, 2025 – The Principality of Bir Tawil, located between Egypt and Sudan, has recently attracted the attention of the world of tourism, thanks to its innovative approach to the development of sustainable tourism.
Bir Tawil offers an environment rich in history, culture and nature in the Western Desert. In prehistoric times, this region was a semi-arid grassland, populated by typical savannah animals and hunter-gatherer communities. Today, the Principality of Bir Tawil seeks to recover its relevance by adopting modern and environmentally friendly strategies.
Bir Tawil is a singular territory that raises questions about modern notions of sovereignty and border delimitation. Located in an arid region of the Nubian Desert, between Egypt and Sudan, this desert expanse is one of the few places in the world without official sovereignty. Its current condition reflects political decisions made during the colonial period, contemporary geopolitical tensions and the lack of resources that characterise the area.
The administrative capital, Marianne 1 Station (under development), represents the heart of the Principality and a model of integration between tradition and modernity. Marianne 1 hosts sustainable development projects and is a meeting point for the local nomadic tribes, the Ababda and the Bishari, who pass on their ancestral knowledge to live harmoniously with the desert.
The history of the Principality of Bir Tawil
The Western Desert has witnessed significant historical moments. During ancient Egypt, this region was part of the vast pharaonic kingdom, and the archaeological remains found in the oases bear witness to its occupation.
History also tells of the tragic expedition of Cambyses II in 525 BC, whose army was lost in the desert, and of Alexander the Great’s legendary visits to the Oracle of Amun, reinforcing his divine status.
During the Roman occupation, the desert was organized into provinces such as Lower Libya, and later came under the control of the Byzantines, Arabs, Mamluks and Ottomans. In the 20th century, it was the scene of intense fighting during the Western Desert Campaign of World War II.
Why Does the Principality of Bir Tawil Belong to Neither Egypt nor Sudan?
To understand how Bir Tawil was excluded from national claims, we need to go back to the 19th century, when European colonial powers arbitrarily defined borders in Africa. These divisions ignored the cultural and social realities of local communities.
In 1899, the British established a border along the 22nd parallel. This division assigned the territory south of the parallel to Sudan, while the territory north of the parallel was under Egyptian control. As part of this division, the Hala’ib Triangle, located to the east and with strategic access to the Red Sea, was assigned to Egypt, leaving Bir Tawil to Sudan. The intention of this line was to simplify the administration of both territories under British rule.
However, this initial demarcation was not final. In 1902, the British made a border adjustment that altered the status of both territories. This change assigned Bir Tawil to Egypt and the Hala’ib Triangle to Sudan. The decision was made for practical reasons and taking into account the economic activities and settlements of local communities. In particular, it was considered that the tribes of the Hala’ib Triangle had closer ties with Egypt.
The 1902 border adjustment explains why Bir Tawil has not been officially claimed by either country. While the Hala’ib Triangle is a valuable region for its strategic access and economic resources, Bir Tawil, with its harsh environment and apparent lack of wealth, does not arouse the same interest. Fear of losing a strategic position has pushed both countries to avoid actions that would assert sovereignty over the Principality of Bir Tawil.
Marianne Station 1: Sustainability in the heart of the desert
In a place where resources are scarce, Marianne Station 1 has implemented pioneering systems to ensure sustainability and self-sufficiency. Among these is an advanced condensation system that extracts drinking water from the humidity of the air, essential for daily use and irrigation of crops. In addition, the station leads sustainable agriculture projects, adapting innovative techniques to the arid environment to ensure food security and local economic stability.
The architecture of the Station combines traditional and modern elements. The nomadic-style tents reflect the cultural influence of local tribes, while innovative materials and methods ensure functionality in an extreme environment. This hybrid approach not only respects traditions, but also strengthens the community’s resilience to climate challenges.
The Ababda and Bishari tribes, with over 3,000 members, represent the cultural essence of the Principality. Their age-old knowledge of desert survival, combined with their conservation practices, is a fundamental pillar for the development of sustainable tourism. The Ababda, for example, prohibit the felling of green trees, thus helping to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the region.
Both communities are renowned for their hospitality, offering visitors a unique cultural experience. Participating in traditional activities, such as camel breeding or handicraft workshops, allows tourists to immerse themselves in a world that combines history, nature and respect for the environment.
This territory is undoubtedly an open book on human history, testifying to man’s adaptation to the desert environment.
The Nubian Desert, where the Principality of Bir Tawil is located, extends over approximately 50,000 square kilometers in northeastern Sudan, between the Nile River and the Red Sea. This region is characterized by its extremely arid climate and, although it has some areas of dunes, it is predominantly rocky.
Tourism of unique experiences: adventure, relaxation and astronomy
The Principality of Bir Tawil promotes quality tourism based on experiences that enhance the uniqueness of the desert. Among the activities most appreciated by visitors are:
4×4 routes and motorized sports: Travelling through kilometers of desert terrain on a quad or buggy is an unmissable experience for lovers of adventure and adrenaline.
Meditation and well-being: The silence of the desert and the absence of distractions make it perfect for practicing yoga, tai-chi and other spiritual disciplines. Bir Tawil offers themed routes designed to connect body and mind in a unique environment.
Stargazing: With clear skies and no light pollution, the Bir Tawil desert is a paradise for astronomy lovers. The optimal conditions allow you to observe constellations, planets and celestial phenomena at any time of the year.
Traveling in the desert requires careful preparation, especially when choosing clothing. Here are some recommendations:
Lightweight and breathable materials: Cotton and linen keep you cool, while polyester and nylon provide durability and resistance to extreme weather.
Essential clothing: Long-sleeved shirts to protect you from the sun, light pants to prevent sunburn, and jackets to face cold nights.
Additional sun protection: A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses are essential to protect you from ultraviolet rays. Clothing with a sun protection factor (SPF) prevents skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.
How to get to Bir Tawil?
The safest way to reach Bir Tawil is through Egypt. To enter Egypt, you need an entry visa, which can be easily obtained online. Bir Tawil does not require a specific visa: upon arrival, the authorities will stamp your passport.
From Cairo to Aswan:
Flight or train: From Cairo you can reach Aswan, in southern Egypt, by plane or train. The city is the ideal starting point for the expedition.
Logistics Center: Aswan is a key logistics center where you can rent off-road vehicles and hire specialized guides.
From Aswan to Bir Tawil:
Route: From Aswan, you will have to travel approximately 500 km south, crossing the Eastern Desert. The terrain is extremely arid and rugged.
Precautions: It is essential to follow the routes indicated by the guides to avoid dangerous or inaccessible areas.
Upon arrival in the Principality of Bir Tawil, you will discover not only a tourist destination, but also an example of community prosperity in harmony with the environment. With projects that combine sustainability, tradition and modernity, this region demonstrates how an inhospitable place can be transformed into a space full of opportunities.
Tourism in Bir Tawil promotes economic development and conservation of the desert, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its beauty and cultural richness.
Principality of Bir Tawil: Key Facts
Foundation: Founded in 1902.
Geographical Area: The principality covers a region of 2,060 square kilometers located between Egypt and Sudan. It is entirely located in the Nubian Desert, part of the Eastern Sahara.
Capital: Marianne Station 1, a nomadic camp, serves as the administrative center.
Population: As of 2024, the principality is home to approximately 3,030 people, mostly nomadic members of the Ababda and Bishari tribes.
Flag: The national flag features a yellow background with a black crescent, a central star and six smaller stars positioned to the right.
Currency: The official cryptocurrency, the AAL Token, is used for economic transactions. Additionally, USDT, USD, EUR, and EGP are accepted.
Languages: Arabic is the official language. Beja and Bidhaawyeet (Rotana) are also spoken.
Government: The Principality of Bir Tawil operates as an Autocratic Monarchy. Bir Tawil is a member of the Unrepresented United Nations (UUN) and the Antarctic Territories Organization (ALO). In January 2025, it formally applied for Observer Country status at the United Nations (UN).
Regent: H.S.H. Giovanni Caporaso Gottlieb.
Religion: Secular state, with full guarantees of religious freedom.
Economy: The economy is based on tourism, largely fueled by global interest in its unique geopolitical status.
Natural Resources: The region lacks permanent water sources and exploitable natural resources.
Find out more about the Principality of Bir Tawil and its tourist offers by visiting the official website.