Their numbers are decreasing, as more and more are changing from nomadic lifestyles to sedentary.
Handicrafts form another important source of income.
Bedouins are normally migrating only in parts of the year, depending on grazing conditions. In winter, when there is some precipitation, they migrate deeper into the desert, while they seek refuge around secure water sources in the hot and dry summer time. For many Bedouins, the city is the preferred location for the summer months. At the same time many governments have taken strong measures to regulate Nomadic lifestyles. Historically have represented a military threat to urban rulers, because there is a need to decide who belongs where, and who should be taxed where.