In the large village centers, women do clay work, making containers of raw or baked clay, either for personal use or for sale. They also weave many items such as baskets. Men braid ropes and knot fishing nets. The Ababda practice long-distance trade, frequenting the weekly markets in their territory. In the marketplace, women offer woven items, fruits, vegetables and poultry.
Men engage in the buying and selling of livestock, farming products, and local and imported crafts.
Bisharin and Ababda occasionally intermarry, but most often emphasize marriages within their own groups. Both follow Islamic rules for the bride and groom, including the stipulation of a marriage contract. The Beja of Egypt are Muslim, following the practices of orthodox Muslims more closely than other Beja who live in Sudan and Eritrea. Their beliefs are interwoven with a rich variety of traditional superstitions. They believe that evil spirits can cause sickness, madness, and accidents.