Al Madam Ghost Village in Sharjah is one of the most interesting places to visit in the UAE, if you are looking for an unusual place to visit. This abandoned town, hidden in the desert near the town of Al Madam, is well known for its vacant houses, the old mosque and the buildings slowly engulfed by the sand.
Unlike a normal tourist attraction, Al Madam Ghost Village has a quiet and mysterious atmosphere. Sand has found its way into many of the houses, and has covered floors and climbed over walls, giving the appearance of a scene that’s been set in stone. The village is also encircled by rumors on why its inhabitants deserted, this is why it is called the “ Ghost Village” or the “Buried Village.”
As per the official tourism site of the City of Sharjah, it is a lost village that is being slowly engulfed by the sands of the desert. It also reveals that the settlement dates back to 1971, the year the UAE was established and that it was previously inhabited by members of the Bedouin tribe.
Here you’ll find information on the Al Madam Ghost Village location, history, entry fee, how to get there, what to see, best time to visit, local legends, safety notes and nearby attractions.
What Is Al Madam Ghost Village?
Al Madam Ghost Village is a ghost village in Al Madam in Sharjah. It’s also known as Al Madam Buried Village, Al Madam Ghost Town and Old Al Madam Village.
The settlement is made up mainly of rows of abandoned houses and a mosque. Over the years, desert winds and moving sand have gradually taken over the site. There are sand-filled rooms in some of the buildings, and dunes around other buildings.
According to the official tourism information about Sharjah, the Sharjah village was constructed as part of a public housing project after the establishment of the UAE. Its purpose was to offer permanent residences to those who had lived more of a semi-nomadic life.
The old settlement is now devoid of any normal activities of the house. However, the place is a photographer’s mecca, an exploring hotspot, a history buff’s delight, or perhaps a visitor’s escape from the familiar Dubai and Sharjah attractions.
Popular name does not imply that the village is officially labelled haunted, just that “ghost” is part of the name. Its abandonment is mostly associated with the name and the local legends about its history.
Why Is Al Madam Ghost Village Abandoned?
When people get the initial news about Al Madam Ghost Village, it’s one of the largest questions on their mind.
There is no one answer that is accepted across the board as to the exact reason for all residents’ departure. There have been a few reports and theories over the years.
The most convenient explanation is the harsh desert conditions. It was becoming more challenging to live in the settlement due to strong winds, sand movement, and adverse conditions. Severe weather, such as desert breezes, unfavorable natural conditions and the long travels were also mentioned in the official tourism website of Sharjah as the reasons behind the abandonment of the village.
Other stories credit the residents for finally relocating to newer neighborhoods that had better roads, services and modern amenities.
Meanwhile local lore has come up with a much more enigmatic alternative. Yearly stories about jinn and supernatural exist in the village. These stories have helped contribute to the settlement’s “Ghost Village” reputation, but should be regarded as folklore, not fact. Gulf News has also reported these supernatural stories and more pragmatic explanations in terms of the desert environment.
Al Madam Ghost Village History
As compared to some of the archaeological sites in the Sharjah desert, the history of Al Madam Ghost Village is quite recent.
When Was Al Madam Ghost Village Built?
The abandoned settlement was built in the 1970s, within the framework of the Government’s housing program, which was linked to the modernisation of the UAE.
The project was designed to be a long-term solution for housing Bedouin families. As reported, this settlement consisted of about 12 houses and a mosque.
The village is of particular interest as it was a time when communities were rapidly changing throughout the UAE. The nation was transitioning from traditional settlements and semi-nomadic to permanent housing and infrastructure.
Who Lived in Al Madam Ghost Village?
The settlement was linked to the Al Kutbi tribe that was residing in and around the Al Madam area.
The houses were designed to provide a more permanent way of living in the desert. The settlement lived up to its occupation for some time, but people eventually left.
The abandonment of the village is described in different ways in published accounts, but is usually given as several decades following the construction. The houses had been abandoned for several years by the time it was discovered by modern explorers.
How Did the Desert Take Over the Village?
When the settlement was abandoned, no one was responsible for upkeep of the buildings or removal of the sand.
Sand slowly swept over the village. Eventually dunes and sand drifts filled houses, covered floors and built up against walls.
That’s the unique thing about Al Madam that sets it apart from the numerous abandoned buildings. The village is not an old and decrepit place. This now has made the desert a part of the architecture.
In some rooms sand seems to have been poured in and in parts of the buildings it is exposed. The outcome is an interesting contrast between desert landscape and traditional residential architecture.
Al Madam Ghost Village Location
Al Madam Ghost Village is situated close to Sharjah-Oman border, in the inland desert region of the Emirate of Sharjah, near Al Madam.
Al Madam is well served by major roads, such as the E44 Dubai-Hatta Road and E55, so can be reached by road from several areas of the UAE.
The ruins of the village are located in the desert, beyond the present town.
The site had been approximately 10 minutes drive from the centre of Al Madam towards Al Ain, reported Gulf News.
It’s best to review the most recent map location before heading out on your adventure since the village is not a typical tourist destination in a city. Over the years, various map listings have occurred online, and it may be confusing if the pin listed is outdated.
Al Madam Ghost Village Map
If you use a navigation application, you will find the current position of the Al Madam Buried Village / Al Madam Ghost Village and compare it with the latest maps.
The final approach may be on desert or unimproved roads and is determined by the road and the state of the roadways. Recent travel reports show that over the years, the access has been varying; some approaches have become easier due to compacted or improved tracks.
Therefore, do not assume that the current conditions of deep sand in one of the older travel videos means that it is the same as today.
Al Madam Ghost Village Distance from Dubai
Al Madam Ghost Village is close to Dubai and is a popular desert day trip destination.
The distance from Dubai varies from location to location, but the village is approximately one hour away from the center of Dubai by normal driving. The abandoned village is about 60 kilometres from Dubai, according to the National, or around one hour by car depending on the starting point.
The journey time can be influenced by traffic, initial location and final approach to the desert.
Al Madam Ghost Village Distance from Sharjah
The village is situated in the Emirate of Sharjah close to Al Madam.
Travelling from Sharjah city will be much longer as Al Madam is located in the Central Region of Sharjah, as compared to travelling from the city centre.
The best time to know if the travel time is accurate is to look for the live navigation in advance of leaving due to road conditions and traffic.
How to Get to Al Madam Ghost Village
How to Reach Al Madam Ghost Village by Car
The easiest method by which to reach the deserted village is by car.
The main road network is used in Dubai to move towards the Al Madam area, then towards the old settlement. One of the key roads in the area is the E44 road that connects Dubai with Hatta.
In the Al Madam area, navigation becomes a more important issue since the abandoned village is not located close to the modern town.
It may be advisable to download the map route or check it before entering an area of poor mobile signal coverage.
Can You Reach Al Madam Ghost Village by Public Transport?
The abandoned village is not easiest to reach via public transport.
Buses and taxis can get you close to Al Madam, but the town is situated outside of the city. The last leg of the trip would still have to be arranged.
The majority of visitors will find it easier to hire a car or rent a car or take an appropriate tour instead.
Do You Need a 4×4?
This will depend on the route and the conditions of the ground.
Previous reports indicated a 4×4 should be used as some of the routes to the village were soft desert sand.
More recent travel reports say, though, that under certain conditions, some of the access tracks have been improved or compacted, and the site is accessible without a 4×4.
The key factor here is to not take it for granted that all desert trails are appropriate for the average sedan. If it crosses soft sand, avoid going unless your vehicle and driving experience is adequate for soft sand.
What Can You See at Al Madam Ghost Village?
It is a small village, but very interesting because of its unusual location.
Abandoned Houses
The main attraction is the abandoned houses.
They are arranged in rows and have simple layouts which are consistent with the settlement’s original residential use. Their barren rooms, pale walls, and broken walls and doors reveal the passage of time since the village was first inhabited.
The most remarkable feature is the sand. Sand has worked its way through doors and windows and spread throughout the floor and is found in some homes.
The level of coverage varies across the buildings, giving different scenes in the settlement.
Al Madam Ghost Village Mosque
One of the most recognizable buildings at the location is a mosque.
The mosque is situated in the midst of the deserted houses and reminds one that it was a real life community and not just a building thrown together for the convenience of tourists.
It also has an element of helping visitors to understand the original layout of the settlement.
Sand-Covered Interiors
The hotels are among the most photographed aspect of Al Madam Ghost Village.
The location is what gives it this unique look as one enters an empty room and notices the sand covering a portion of the floor. Occasionally, the sand is found to have risen to very high levels in walls and entrances.
This is one of the reasons why the village has become popular among the photographers.
Desert Landscape
It’s not just about the buildings; the village is an experience in the Sharjah desert.
The light-colored buildings and the surrounding dunes give a striking contrast, particularly during the sunrise and sunset.
Al Madam Ghost Village Photos
The abandoned architecture, combined with the desert scenery, makes Al Madam Ghost Village a popular place for photography.
The sand filled rooms, old doors, windows, mosque, cracked walls and wide shots of houses surrounded by dunes are some of the most amazing subjects.
To get a more dramatic shot try taking the picture during the golden hours when the lower sun cast shadows over the buildings and sand.
Best Photography Spots at Al Madam Ghost Village
Do not only concentrate on close-ups of the buildings.
Try taking:
- Photos of the village and the desert surrounding the village showing wide shots.
- Close ups of warm, sandy floors from the interior.
- Images of doors and windows.
- Architectural details
- A mosque and the dunes in the background.
- Sunset photographs
- Close-ups of buildings under the sky at low angles.
Always shoot for the safety of the shot more than the shot itself. Don’t climb on precarious walls or walk in structurally unsafe spaces.
Best Time to Visit Al Madam Ghost Village
The ideal time to visit is largely dependent on the desert climate of the UAE.
Best Season to Visit
Cool fall and winter days are more pleasant for outdoor adventures.
The weather is more conducive to outdoor activities in the late fall, winter and early spring than it is during the dog days of summer.
During the summer months, it can get very hot, especially in an unshaded desert setting with limited shade.
Best Time of Day
The time of day is typically early morning and late afternoon.
The late afternoon is a favourite time of day for photographers as the light is lower and the light colours are warmer, and shadows are longer.
The sun can also transform the appearance of abandoned buildings at dusk, making them look much different than during the day.
Visiting Al Madam Ghost Village at Night
Visiting a remote village at night can be even more enchanting because of its remote location.
It does make the site harder to find and less safe, however. Difficulty in maneuvering around due to uneven surfaces, old buildings, etc. and limited lighting.
If you’re not used to the area, it’s better to visit during the day.
Al Madam Ghost Village Entry Fee
One of the reasons why Al Madam Ghost Village is so appealing is that it’s not an ordinary ticketed theme park or museum.
Visitors have reported that they enter the park without a fee; however, there are still trip costs. In fact, according to Gulf News, visitors did not even have to pay for entrance into the village.
But access can be subject to change. It’s advisable to take into account information from where one is going before traveling, not just reading an old article and watching a travel video.
Is Al Madam Ghost Village Free to Visit?
In the past, visitors were allowed to visit without paying an entrance fee.
This means your largest costs will probably be for transportation, fuel, and vehicle rental or for an organized tour of the desert, not an entrance fee!
Is Al Madam Ghost Village Really Haunted?
This is likely to be the most common inquiry about the website.
There is no concrete evidence to suggest that the Al Madam Ghost Village is haunted.
The village was tied to the legend of the supernatural due to the residents moving out, the empty buildings, and the desert engulfing the village. There are local legends associating the site with jinn and other supernatural phenomena.
Meanwhile, more functional explanations refer to the harsh desert conditions, the shifting sands, powerful winds and the benefits of relocating to more established societies.
The official description of the Sharjah tourism also emphasizes the historical facts and natural conditions of the village and not the supernatural stories as facts.
So, the village is indeed eerie, but the “haunted” element of it can be better understood as a part of its folklore and popular reputation.
Things to Do at Al Madam Ghost Village
Explore the Abandoned Buildings
The primary activity is walking around the remaining structures.
Take note of the house patterns and observe the amount of sand that has been deposited in the houses over the years.
Don’t open doors or go into an obviously unsafe building.
Take Desert and Architecture Photos
The village is a natural photo location due to a mix of old houses and dunes around the settlement.
Take the time to photograph the buildings, and also the greater landscape of the desert.
Watch the Sunset
Sunset can be a wonderful time to catch the village if weather and other conditions are favorable.
As the light shifts, the light casts long shadows over the sand, and the abandoned buildings lend a whole different quality to the scene.
Explore the Wider Al Madam Area
The ghost village can also be combined with other attractions in the Central Region of Sharjah, such as the Mleiha area, the deserts around it, etc.
Safety Tips for Visiting Al Madam Ghost Village
It is an abandoned desert town, not a well-managed attraction, and therefore presents some risk if the visitor doesn’t take simple precautions.
Have sufficient drinking water, particularly in hot weather. Be sure to wear shoes that are comfortable as the area around the buildings may be uneven.
Never go up on walls, roofs or damaged structures. Old building may possess weak parts that are hard to detect from the exterior.
Care must also be taken when walking. Broken materials, holes, loose surfaces and partially buried objects may be present around abandoned buildings.
When travelling through sand, ensure that the vehicle is suitable for sand conditions. Don’t venture into the soft sand when others are already in it.
It is advisable to visit in pairs and not as an individual.
Above all, leave the village as you found it. Never break any pieces of the buildings, take anything out or write on the walls.
What to Bring to Al Madam Ghost Village
Although only a short trip, some preparation is still necessary as the location is open to the desert.
Take drinking water, sunglasses, sunscreen and appropriate shoes. A hat is another item that might be helpful in hot weather.
If you are going to take photographs, bring a charged phone, camera and preferably a power bank.
GPS navigation is helpful to have if you don’t live in the main urban area, since the village is quite far out. When traveling in the desert, remember to fill up some fuel before heading off the paved road.
Places to Visit Near Al Madam Ghost Village
A plus to visiting Al Madam Ghost Village is that some of the desert and heritage attractions can be integrated into the same visit.
Al Madam Town
The most recent town is Al Madam, which can be good for food, fuel and other basic needs.
It is also a recommended rest stop before or after visiting the abandoned settlement.
Mleiha Archaeological Centre
The region’s Central Region is one of the most important heritage and archaeological areas in Sharjah, and Mleiha is one of those areas.
It’s a region where archaeological finds have been discovered and where desert landscapes and activities related to the region’s ancient history abound.
Mleiha Desert
The abandoned houses of Al Madam are quite different from the desert around Mleiha.
The landscape, dunes and desert activities are available to enjoy, as well as depending on the time of year and tours offered.
Fossil Rock
Another popular landmark in Mleiha’s desert area is fossil rock.
It is a popular destination for those interested in exploring Sharjah’s Central Region due to its unique rock formations and surrounding dunes.
Al Badayer
Al Badayer is renowned for its dunes, desert landscapes and the Big Red area.
Can be a part of a larger desert day trip.
| Nearby Place | Main Attraction | Best For |
| Al Madam Town | Shops, restaurants and services | Supplies |
| Mleiha | Archaeology and heritage | History |
| Mleiha Desert | Dunes and desert scenery | Adventure |
| Fossil Rock | Rock formations and desert | Photography |
| Al Badayer | Large desert dunes | Desert activities |
Distance is only to be checked by live navigation before travelling, as routes and access points may change.
Also Visit: Al Mahatta Park Sharjah
Al Madam Ghost Village vs Other Abandoned Places in the UAE
Al Madam is unique in that the buildings have been swallowed up by the desert.
Commonly, there are mostly just deserted buildings, but in this case it is the sand itself that is the abandoned feature.
| Feature | Al Madam Ghost Village |
| Location | Al Madam, Sharjah |
| Setting | Sharjah desert |
| Main structures | Houses and mosque |
| Historical period | Mainly associated with the 1970s housing project |
| Famous for | Sand-covered abandoned buildings |
| Photography | Very popular |
| Entrance fee | Historically free |
| Main attraction | Abandoned village and desert landscape |
Final Thoughts on Al Madam Ghost Village Sharjah
Al Madam Ghost Village Sharjah is one of the unique and interesting places to visit in the desert in the UAE. The unique aspect of it is that the buildings have not only been abandoned but have been integrated into the surrounding desert on a gradual basis.
Empty homes, the interior of the old mosque and sand-filled rooms offer a glimpse of a community that once lived here. Meanwhile, the tales of jinn and the disappearance of the village have made Al Madam a ghost town.
To visitors it should be viewed more as a historical and photographic experience, a desert landscape, and a local legend.
Should you decide to visit, find out what the current route and access are like, bring adequate water with you, do not enter unsafe structures and respect the abandoned site. Al Madam can also be a part of a memorable desert day trip to Sharjah with its neighbouring Mleiha and the attractions of the Central Region.
FAQs About Al Madam Ghost Village
Where is Al Madam Ghost Village located?
Al Madam Ghost Village is situated close to the town of Al Madam in the Emirate of Sharjah in the Central region of the UAE and near Sharjah Oman border area.
Why is Al Madam Ghost Village abandoned?
The exact reasons are not fully recorded, but practical reasons may be the arduous conditions of the desert, strong winds, sand drift and life in the settlement. The abandonment is also said to be due to supernatural events in local folklore.
Is Al Madam Ghost Village haunted?
The village has some local legends about jinn and supernatural occurrences, but there is no proof that it is haunted. The ghost aspect has been largely a part of locals’ folklore and the eerie abandoned look of the site.
Is Al Madam Ghost Village free to visit?
Visitors’ reports are published and the village is open to everyone, there is no entrance ticket. But conditions of access may vary and travellers should check up-to-date information before travelling.
Can you enter the abandoned houses?
Some areas of the settlement are visible and accessible for visitors and are suitable to explore, but it is not recommended to enter damaged or unstable structures. Building condition may vary among individual buildings.
What is the best time to visit Al Madam Ghost Village?
The most comfortable times of the year are the cooler months. The early morning and late afternoon are also fine times because they are not the hottest part of the day, and late afternoon is a great time to do some photography.
How far is Al Madam Ghost Village from Dubai?
The ride is typically one hour from central Dubai, but distance and travel time will vary according to the route and starting location. The National has estimated the distance to be approximately 60 km from Dubai.
How far is Al Madam Ghost Village from Sharjah?
The village is found in the Central Region, but is located in the inland of Sharjah Emirate with a long drive from Sharjah city as compared to a short drive from Al Madam city.
Can you visit Al Madam Ghost Village at night?
There are people who visit during the night but it’s harder to navigate an isolated desert place at night. Daylight is safer and more practical than night games and is a better choice for first-time visitors.
Do you need a 4×4 to visit Al Madam Ghost Village?
Not on all current approaches! Desert conditions can change, some routes have been supposedly improved. A 4×4 is still a good choice for sandy or rough roads.
