The buried village of Al Madam is an abandoned village in the Sharjah emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located about 37 miles (60 km) from Dubai and 2 km from the town of Al Madam. The village was built in the 1970s to house semi-nomadic Bedouin, but it was abandoned two decades later as the country transformed itself into a global hub of commerce and tourism.
Today, the buried village is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the two rows of abandoned houses, which are gradually being engulfed by the desert sands. The houses are painted in bright colors, and some of them are decorated with mosaics and wallpapers. There is also a mosque at the end of the village.
How to visit the buried village of Al Madam
The best way to visit the buried village of Al Madam is by car. There is no public transportation to the village, so you will need to hire a taxi or drive yourself. The drive from Dubai takes about an hour.
To get to the Al Madam, take the Dubai-Hatta road and exit at the Al Madam exit. Follow the signs to Al Madam town. Once in Al Madam, follow the signs to the buried village. The village is located about 2 km from the town center.
Things to do at the buried village of Al Madam
Once you arrive at the buried village of Al Madam, you can explore the abandoned houses and mosque at your own pace. There are no tour guides available, but there are information boards that provide some information about the history of the village.
Here are some things to do :
- Take photos of the abandoned houses and mosque.
- Explore the interior of the houses and see how the villagers used to live.
- Climb to the top of the mosque for a panoramic view of the village and the surrounding desert.
- Have a picnic in the desert near the village.
Tips for visiting the buried village of Al Madam
Here are some tips for visiting the buried village of Al Madam:
- The best time to visit the buried village is in the morning or evening, when the weather is cooler.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially if you are visiting during the summer months.
- Be careful when exploring the abandoned houses, as some of them may be unstable.
- Respect the village and the surrounding environment.
Visit Sharjah
Sharjah is the third-largest emirate in the UAE and is known for its cultural heritage and family-friendly attractions. Here are some of the things you can do in Sharjah:
- Visit the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, which houses a vast collection of Islamic art and artifacts.
- Explore the Heart of Sharjah, a historic district with traditional souqs, mosques, and museums.
- Visit the Sharjah Art Museum, which features a collection of contemporary art from the UAE and around the world.
- Take a boat trip to the Al Noor Islands, a group of islands with lush gardens, pavilions, and a butterfly house.
- Visit the Sharjah Heritage Museum, which tells the story of Sharjah’s history and culture.