Are you a fan of exploring puzzling yet bewitching attractions that have an eerie vibe about them? If so, then you must head to Al Madam Ghost City and roam across its intriguing deserted homes. Visiting this vacant historical site can make it hard to fathom how a lively city such as Sharjah can have such an abandoned village. How did Al Madam City acquire this buried and vacant city? What turned it into such a popular yet mysterious tourist attraction? And how can one explore it and learn more about it? This guide will answer all these questions and more.
The History of Al Madam City
Ghost Village Al Madam is a small and real village in Sharjah. It was constructed back in the 1970s as a public housing project. The aim behind this village is to become a thriving home for Bedouin tribes and population. However, the vision for this project did not come true, as residents started abandoning this village and moving elsewhere.
Throughout history, many tales have been told about why this village was deserted by its own residents. Two of these tales are told the most; one relies on logic and evidence, while the other is considered more of a folklore tale.
Why Was the Village Abandoned?
Firstly, many tales indicated that the sole reason behind abandoning this village was the harsh weather conditions. The area endured a lot of severe sandstorms, and that made living conditions quite impossible to tolerate. So, the thriving and joyful village was drowned by the desert’s constantly moving sands. With it, all chances to carry on the development of this small village are eliminated. In addition, upon visiting the village, you will see wrecked homes and old furniture half-drowned in the desert’s golden sands.
On the other hand, some folklore stories say that this is just the obvious explanation. But in truth, a more unsettling truth comes as to why the village is abandoned. A traditional narrative says that the villagers left their homes because the village was haunted by “Jinn.” If you are unfamiliar with Islamic mythology, “Jinn” or “Djinn” are supernatural creatures that are most likely evil and mischievous. These creatures are able to harm people or even possess them with their unnatural or magical abilities. Their existence in the area made it impossible to be inhabited by people. Therefore, it was abandoned and never occupied again.
Furthermore, these two reasons combined together turned this haunted village into a famous tourist attraction. People visit it to see the old homes covered in shifting sands and experience the eeriness of the area. Thus it became one of Sharjah’s most visited unsolved mysteries.
Al Madam Ghost City Location
The ghost city of Al Madam is located in the emirate of Sharjah. The area is a part of Al Madam Industrial as well. In addition, to get there, visitors will take the Dubai-Hatta Highway, also known as E44. As shown in the map below, the road ends before reaching the abandoned village. So, a desert drive is essential to the trip to get there.
Nearby Communities
Ghost Village Sharjah is considered very far away from the populated residential communities of the emirate. The trip from Sharjah to Al Madam Buried Village will take around 1 hour and 5 minutes, depending on the route you take.
Nearby Attractions
Similarly, you would not find any attractions within close proximity to the ghosted village. While you may find some attractions, they are not considered the most-visited attractions. Nevertheless, some of these places are:
- Al Madam Roundabout Mosque: 10 minutes away
- Sanad Al Madina Hypermarket: 11 minutes away
- Space Cafe: 11 minutes away
- Sheraa Al Safina Seafood Restaurant: 15 minutes away
- BSR Trips: 16 minutes away
Transportation
Getting to the Ghost Village UAE by public means of transportation would not be enough, unfortunately. While there are bus stops near this tourist attraction, visitors would still require a car to get to the location. There are various bus stops on E44 road, such as:
- Al Madam Roundabout Bus Stop: 9 minutes away
- Madam Bus Stop Bus Stop: 11 minutes away
- Al Madam, Roundabout 2 Bus Stop: 14 minutes away
Attractions
If you are unsure what to expect when visiting the Ghost Village of Madam – then get ready. Because you will experience walking through a small village containing 12 homes and a mosque. All of which are abandoned, wrecked, and half-sunken in golden desert sands. Also, you will see the insides of these homes along with the old furniture covered with sand as well.
In addition, the area as a whole is very far away from the bustling city you may be used to. So, be prepared for a lot of silence broken occasionally with sandy whistles of winds. While this may be intimidating for some, the experience is still very interesting and pleasantly bizarre, especially for visitors intrigued by old, historical, and abandoned landmarks.
Overall, make sure to prepare your camera and document every step of touring the demolished village. Additionally, make sure to pack water and snacks as you will be walking a lot. Also, and most importantly, put your courageous suit on – because you will need it!
Entry Fees
Moreover, entering and touring Al Madam Ghost City is free of charge. While you may be required to plan the drive or rent a car. No charges will be required to explore the ruins of this ghosted village.
Guided Tours
Additionally, if you want to visit this abandoned historical village but are unsure how. Many tourism agencies will be happy to help. As they offer guided tourists to this location. One of these tourism companies that offer private tours with a guide include:
- High Adventure Tourism
- Location: Bin Khedia Centre, Al Garhoud Block B, Office number 300, Dubai
- Contact details:
- Phone number: +971 55 639 6622
- Email address: Info@highadventuretourism.com
- Duration: 6 hours approximately
FAQ
Since the city is located in the heart of Sharjah’s desert, you may want to avoid visiting it during the summer season. Plan your visit during colder seasons, such as November. Which during the temperatures will be tolerable.
A lot of walking will include touring the city, so it may be exhausting for children to experience. So, if you are taking your kids, make sure they get plenty of rest.
Make sure you are dressed comfortably – especially in shoes, as you will be walking a lot. Also, do not forget to pack water and snacks as well as charge your phones and cameras.
To sum up, those looking for an adventure must visit Al Madam Ghost City – as it will be one to remember. Also, remember that this village is for those of brave hearts, so once again, put your courageous suit on! In addition, explore more about touring Sharjah and its landmarks with Property Finder’s blog. For instance, explore the best desert safari in Sharjah, as well as Sharjah Desert Park.
