I’m Joshua Van Alstine — an American writer, researcher, and cultural observer who has spent years living in and studying Saudi Arabia. On this blog, I go by AmericanBadu (أبو متعب الأمريكي), a name that reflects the Bedouin spirit that drew me to this land.
AmericanBadu is dedicated to the natural and cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. I write about the things that are rarely covered in Western media — the ecological wonders of the Saudi desert, the living traditions of Bedouin culture, the history of the Saudi royal family, the ancient art of falconry, camel racing, date palms, desert flora, and the deep reservoir of knowledge that ordinary Saudis carry from their ancestors.
My writing draws on years of firsthand experience in Saudi Arabia, conversations with local experts and community members, and a deep respect for the Arabic language and Islamic tradition. I am not a casual tourist observer — I am someone who has chosen to make this culture a central part of my life and work.
You can find me on X (Twitter), TikTok, and LinkedIn. If you’d like to get in touch, visit the contact page.