Dubai Ghost Town – Free Things To Do In Dubai
After discovering the ghost town near Dubai, located in Sharjah, I was eager to visit. I’m fascinated by mysterious places, and this one is full of intrigue. Nature is slowly reclaiming it, turning it back into desert. Just a short drive across the border, this village dates back to the ’70s, but the reason why everyone left remains unknown. Surrounded by sand dunes, it stands alone and is free to explore, allowing you to wander at your own pace.
Navigating to Dubai’s Ghost Town
Considering a visit? This village sits around 70 kilometres away from Dubai. Quick tip: Google Maps can take you to the ‘Buried Village,’ but for that last bit, you’ll need a 4×4 to conquer the desert terrain. You definitely don’t want your car getting stuck in the sand and turning this trip into a desert rescue mission! So, here’s a pro tip: punch in ‘Al Fariq Contracting’ on your GPS. Once you’re there, just veer slightly onto the dusty road for about 300 meters. Ta-da! You’re at the entrance, all set to explore the Dubai Ghost Town. And hey, big congrats! You’ve also unlocked Sharjah on your must-visit Emirate checklist!
Al Madam Buried Village
When we arrived, we noticed the solitary security hut with a guard and a large sign reminding us not to doodle on the walls. There was a gate, but no entry fee—so we strolled right in. It felt like stumbling upon a real hidden gem, with just a handful of others exploring around. Stepping inside was like entering history itself! There were two rows of houses, and at the end stood a mosque, all seemingly frozen in time. The sand had almost completely engulfed some of the buildings, to the extent that we could nearly climb onto the roofs by walking on the dunes! It was such a fun and cool exploration; we really enjoyed peeking into the houses and capturing pictures of the beautiful dunes.
The History Of This Ghost Town
People have varied guesses about how this place came to be, but the most widely accepted story dates back to the 1970s when the UAE was racing into modernity. The country built this village to resettle members of a local Bedouin tribe. But guess what? Harsh sandstorms and a lack of good infrastructure sent them packing shortly after they settled in.
Spooky Tales
Of course, local legend tells a more mysterious tale. What caused the whole village to flee? Stories revolve around evil spirits, locally known as djinn, being to blame for the absence of residents. Some even claim the village is haunted by Umm Al Duwais, a female demon with feline eyes and hands shaped like machetes. If only those walls could talk! One thing is for certain; slowly but surely, the sand is swallowing the village. It’s truly a fascinating place.
Is it Worth a Visiting Dubai’s Ghost Town?
Exploring this ghost town might give some people the chills, but for me, it was surprisingly peaceful. Once home to the Al Kutbi tribe, it’s now a deserted mystery—whether it’s due to a mischievous ‘jinn’ or the tough weather, I’ll let you decide! It might not top the charts for UAE hotspots, but that’s part of its charm, right? And the best part? It’s not overrun by tourists yet. Plus, if you’re into snapping unique desert photos, this place is a dream, especially at sunset. So, if you’ve got the time, it’s a pretty cool adventure. Just remember your closed shoes and consider going in the cooler months for a more enjoyable experience! If you do not have your own vechicle, there are a few tours you can take such as this one on Get Your Guide Website.
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