In the desert, an hour's drive from the skyscrapers of Dubai, there is a village abandoned in the 90s. Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization in the UAE, it has become a rather "strange" relic.
The village, called AL-MADAM, was built in the 1970s to house the semi-nomadic Bedouin people.Located near the emirate of Sharjah, the village is a tourist attraction that offers an escape from the concrete jungle of coastal cities and a glimpse into the UAE's tough past. AL-MADAM Village is an ancient community composed of traditional houses and stone towers. The architectural style here is deeply influenced by Bedouin culture.Visitors can feel the perfect combination of tradition and modernity here, while also learning about the history and culture of this community. The location of AL-MADAM Village makes it a must-stop for many tourists visiting the United Arab Emirates.Here, visitors can visit some ancient buildings and ruins, such as Al Fahidi Historical District and Bahji Fort, while also enjoying desert scenery and other activities such as water sports.In addition to historical culture, AL-MADAM Village also provides some modern facilities and services, such as restaurants, shops and tourist centers, to meet the different needs of tourists.The food and traditional handicrafts here have also become a place that tourists rush to visit. AL-MADAM Village is a tourist destination rich in history and unique culture, providing an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and allowing people to learn about the UAE's past and traditional culture.Here, tourists can feel a unique atmosphere and experience and spend an unforgettable travel trip.
The village has a row of houses and a mosque, modern cement houses decorated in local styles to ease the Bedouins' transition to settled life.The houses have brightly colored interior walls, some decorated with mosaics, and they also have spaces for village elders to chair local councils, called majalis in Arabic.The wallpaper on one of the houses depicts a lush green landscape, in stark contrast to the drab desert scene outside.In this village, modern houses combine with ancient mosques to provide a warm and modern community for the Bedouins.
The houses were abandoned just 20 years after they were built, triggering a mass eviction that remains unclear.According to local legend, residents were driven away by evil spirits, but experts say it is more likely that people left in search of a better life in the city.At that time, the village had limited electricity and water resources and was frequently hit by sandstorms.People also have to make long commutes across the desert to get to Dubai to start work or study.Due to these factors, many residents chose to leave the village in search of better living conditions.However, there are several other theories as to why these houses were abandoned.Some believe there may have been irregularities in the construction of these homes, resulting in them being of poor quality and ultimately uninhabitable.Some people believe that these houses may have safety hazards, such as structural instability or faulty electrical equipment, and therefore are abandoned.In any case, the abandonment of these houses has caused a lot of inconvenience to local residents.Now, the village has become very quiet, only the occasional cry.However, for those who have left the village, the village may still be a place of memories and dreams.
Today, the desert is slowly swallowing up the village.Sand has accumulated inside the house, almost touching the ceiling.However, due to regular cleaning by cleaners, the mosque here still maintains its original appearance.
There are still some Bedouin descendants living in some rural areas of the UAE.Although more people now choose to live in skyscrapers and modern shopping malls in the city, enjoying the convenience brought by air conditioning and convenient transportation, their traditional lifestyle is still in their hearts.
The abandoned village has become a tourist attraction in recent years, attracting a large number of tourists.Many influencers also shoot music videos and social media posts here as part of the backdrop for their work, showcasing various foreign models and luxury cars.
A tourist who was visiting the village said he didn't know why the people left, it could be elves or black magic, but we will never know.
Sometimes these places really don't want to be disturbed because when they get crowded they lose their charm.