Suppose you are driving through the peaceful desert of Sharjah and suddenly you encounter a small village with no one in it, and the houses are starting to be covered by sand. In a windy day, doors rattle, streets remain empty and dunes take over the former little community. Al Madam Ghost Village is one of the most interesting abandoned villages in the UAE.
Although it is an eerie place, Al Madam Ghost Village is not a haunted village. Rather, it’s an abandoned residential neighborhood which has gained renown for its strange appearance, urban legends, and distinct desert landscape. It is now a popular destination for photographers, adventurers, history buffs and tourists keen to experience the less well known side to the UAE.
This is the ultimate guide to Al Madam Ghost Village, its history, the reasons for its abandonment, how to reach the ghost village, the best time to visit, photography tips, must-sees around the village and much more.
What Is Al Madam Ghost Village?
Al Madam Ghost Village or Buried Village of Al Madam is a deserted settlement of residential buildings in the Emirate of Sharjah. It is made up of a few small houses and a mosque that has been covered with moving sands of the desert over the years.
Al Madam is unlike the more recent ghost towns built as a result of the failure of the economy or an industrial complex, because it was built by the government in the 1970s as a housing project. The village, designed to house local Bedouin families as they make the switch to a more settled life, is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009.The village is expected to be completed by the end of 2009 and was built to house local Bedouin families as they move to a more settled lifestyle.
These days the nature has come into the play. The buildings remain covered with sand dunes, forming a surrealistic landscape which varies according to the wind and seasons.
Where Is Al Madam Ghost Village?
Al Madam Ghost Village is situated near the town of Al Madam, in the Emirate of Sharjah near the border with Oman.
The village is located just off the Dubai–Hatta Road (E44), and is accessible throughout the day from multiple cities in the UAE.
The approximate driving times are:
| Departure City | Driving Time |
| Dubai | 50–60 minutes |
| Sharjah | 45–60 minutes |
| Ajman | Around 1 hour |
| Abu Dhabi | About 2 hours |
| Hatta | Around 30 minutes |
The village is located near to main road but the last part of journey is on sandy tracks. In dry weather, the standard vehicle is able to access most of the area, but drivers should be mindful of driving with care.
History of Al Madam Ghost Village
There is more to the story of Al Madam Ghost Village than one would think.
In the 1970s, the UAE government launched housing projects that aimed to boost the standard of living for Bedouin people. These projects sought to promote the permanent settlement of families, traditionally nomadic, in permanent housing and access to services.
One of these was Al Madam.
The village included:
- Residential homes
- A mosque
- Basic community infrastructure
- Paved streets
But it was said that many families only lived there for a comparatively short time before moving away.
As the 1990s approached, the buildings were empty and most of the residents had moved out.
The settlement was gradually encroached by the surrounding desert in the decades to come, with wind transporting the sand into the neglected homes.
Today only a few of the buildings are still standing, and the interior of many buildings is filled with deep sand.
Why Was Al Madam Ghost Village Abandoned?
This is the question that most of the visitors ask.
There has been a number of theories on the abandonment but none have ever been confirmed by an official explanation.
The Sand Dunes
Most commonly the movement of desert sand is believed to be responsible for this.
It is located in an area where dunes were constantly moving across the landscape. Sand had seeped into homes, roads and made life more difficult over time.
Over time, residents moved to other locations where living was more convenient.
Better Infrastructure Elsewhere
With the growth of the surrounding towns, families had access to better schools, better health and other services, as well as better employment opportunities.
The change to more developed communities provided a better lifestyle.
Environmental Challenges
There are a number of ongoing challenges associated with living in an exposed desert environment:
- Frequent sand accumulation
- Harsh summer temperatures
- Strong desert winds
- Limited vegetation
- Difficult maintenance of homes
The above-mentioned factors are probably the reason for the residents to move away.
Is Al Madam Ghost Village Really Haunted?
Many tourists, because of the nickname of the village, imagine that it is haunted.
No scientific evidence or official documentation of the haunting of Al Madam Ghost Village.
The claims of ghost sightings, ghost voices and other anecdotes about the supernatural are largely from local folklore, social media and visitors’ speculations.
A number of visitors say that this is an eeriness because of:
- Empty homes
- Silent surroundings
- Abandoned buildings with wind blowing.Wind blowing in abandoned buildings.
- Doors blowing in the wind, doors blowing in the wind
- Sand gradually accumulating on the inside walls of the building
These features do not prove paranormal activity, but make for an unforgettable experience, particularly at night or during sunset.
From the point of view of most visitors the village is a historical monument, and a rare case of re-vegetation of the abandoned place.
What Can You See at Al Madam Ghost Village?
The site is a bit small but there is a lot to see.
Abandoned streets lined with sand covered houses can be walked through. There are still doorways, windows and rooms in many buildings that reveal the way the settlement looked in the past.
The village mosque is one of the most famous landmarks, and is one of the better-preserved buildings.
You’ll often find the sand heaped almost to the ceilings of the homes, making them great photo opportunities as well.
The constantly shifting dunes mean the appearance of the village changes throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit
The cooler months are best.
October through April is the best time to visit, when the days are warm enough to stroll around the site.
Photography best times are early morning or late afternoon when the light is not as fierce and the temperatures are cooler.
The golden light at the time of sunset is particularly appealing and brings out the contrast between the retired buildings and the surrounding dunes.
Make sure to steer clear of the hot summer afternoons.
How to Reach Al Madam Ghost Village
The car is the easiest means of transport to the village.
From Dubai:
Head through the Dubai–Hatta Road (E44) towards Al Madam.
After you arrive in Al Madam town, head on foot according to GPS directions to the abandoned village.
The majority of navigators are fairly precise in their marking.
Private vehicles or guided tours are the most convenient ways to reach the village as there is no public transport right to the village.
Entry Fee and Opening Hours
The most good thing about the Al Madam Ghost Village is that it is currently free of cost.
Due to its abandoned status and location outside of the city limits the site is open to visitors throughout the day.
Daylight hours are recommended, however, for safety and easier navigation.
Since the site is not officially managed, facilities such as restrooms, cafés, and visitor centers are not available.
Photography Tips
Al Madam Ghost Village is one of the most photo worthy, abandoned places in the UAE.
To get the finest pictures:
Go to golden hour to get softer light and shadows.
Show the contrast of buildings and sand dunes in wide angle shots.
Include anything that is interesting like buried doorways, windows, and flowing sand to show the one-of-a-kind feel of the village.
Drone photography might be subject to UAE regulations, so always make sure to act within the law when flying your drone.
Safety Tips for Visitors
The village is quite safe to visit, except for the following precautions:
Closed shoes that are comfortable to walk on sand.
Bring adequate amount of water to drink, particularly in the summer.
Do not go onto any roof or unstable structures; abandoned buildings may be unsafe.
Avoid walking alone, especially during dawn and dusk.
Treat the site with respect, do not damage the remaining buildings, leave the site as you found it.
Nearby Attractions
Al Madam Ghost Village can be easily combined with the other attractions in the area.
Al Madam Town
Restaurants, fuel stations, supermarkets and other services are available in the nearby town before or after your visit.
Fossil Rock
Fossil Rock is one of the UAE’s most popular off-road destinations, famous for its unique marine fossils, stunning desert landscape, and dune driving experiences.
Big Red Sand Dune
Big Red is a popular spot for sandboarding, desert driving and quad biking.
Hatta
Less than an hour away, Hatta’s countryside is perfect for some mountain views, kayaking, hiking, and heritage sites, and an ideal addition to your day trip.
Tips Before You Visit
By planning ahead, you’ll have a smoother visit.
Always check the weather conditions before going out as strong winds could make it difficult to see.
Take sun protection items such as Sun cream, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from the desert sun.
Make sure your phone is charged before you go out as you will be using GPS and taking lots of photographs!
Do not litter and help maintain this special place for future generations.
Why Has Al Madam Ghost Village Become So Popular?
The village has been on the international map in recent years with travel blogs, YouTube videos, Instagram and TikTok.
It has a unique appearance and reputation and because of its location, it’s easily accessible from Dubai, it’s one of the most photographed abandoned places in the UAE.
Al Madam is somewhat unique amongst ghost towns of the world in that the site can be seen being slowly taken over by the desert, and as such is still undergoing transformation year after year.
Final Thoughts
Al Madam Ghost Village is truly a place of the UAE unlike any other. Although it has become the inspiration for many ghost stories, its most intriguing features are its history and the constantly shifting desert conditions.
This abandoned settlement is a wonderful experience for anyone, from photography enthusiasts to history buffs, desert explorers or anyone looking to find something beyond the skyscrapers of Dubai and Sharjah. Always visit during cooler times of the year, respects the location and takes time to admire the beauty of nature that continues to evolve one of the most interesting landmarks of the UAE.
FAQs
Can you go to Al Madam Ghost Village?
Yes. The site is open now, and visitors can walk through the site without paying an entry fee.
Is there an alternative way to get to Al Madam Ghost Village?
Yes. The village is easily reached by car, but the last leg of the journey is on sand. Be cautious in driving: particularly after winds.
Does Al Madam Ghost Village have a ghost?
The village itself does not have any official claims of being haunted. It is mostly famous for local legends and its creepy ambiance.
What is your recommended duration?
Visitors spend between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours discovering and taking photos.
Is it family friendly?
Yes, but, children must be closely supervised, and visitors are advised not to enter unstable or damaged buildings.
What is the best time for photography?
Best hours of light and less hot early morning or late afternoon.
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