While there are many mainstream tourist attractions in Dubai that you could visit, it is now trending among the travelers to look for less popular and sometimes more interesting spots. Al Madam, also known as Dubai’s Ghost Town, is definitely one of these hidden gems that is worth discovering. A few decades ago, it was a promising settlement, but now you can only get there by renting a car in Dubai.
What is the Ghost Town in the UAE?
Al Madam is a small town situated around 60 kilometers away from the metropolis, right next to Dubai’s border with Sharjah. The settlement consists of no more than twenty houses and a mosque, and as the name suggests, they are all abandoned now.
Most of these structures were built in the early 70s, and even though it was an ambitious project with hopes of growing into a larger town, Al Madam was abandoned around 50 years ago. As a result, the buildings have worn out, and the settlement is now being slowly consumed by the desert.
Why was Al Madam abandoned?
Despite the fact that Al Madam became a ghost town fairly recently, there are no specific records left that would explain the reasons for people abandoning the settlement. There are several key theories discussed by modern experts, although it is very likely a combination of all these factors.
As it is evident in the 2020s, the town’s location turned out not to be very beneficial to say the least. The weather conditions in such proximity to the desert are extremely harsh, simply making it hard to live in Al Madam. And even though it took decades for the sand to start swallowing buildings, it would still definitely create a significant level of everyday discomfort for the town’s residents.
It is also theorized that the town was set to become connected with other small settlements located nearby, but the infrastructure for it has never materialized. Since there are no clear records, it is hard to say whether such plans have existed in the first place, or if they haven’t been cancelled after the Al Madam was abandoned.
Some people also like to tell stories about actual ghosts, jinn, and other folklore creatures and elements. Even though no one is trying to disrespect local beliefs, most experts view these stories as no more than urban legends, and the consensus in the scientific community is that the locals have moved away from Al Madam for practical reasons.
What is the appeal of Al Madam?
There are multiple reasons behind the rising popularity of Al Madam among the visitors of Dubai. First of all, there is the exclusivity factor. The town will likely be entirely consumed by sand in a couple of decades, so the tourists are naturally trying to visit it while they still have a chance.
Secondly, the sheer sight of an abandoned settlement succumbing to the forces of nature is fascinating and thought-provoking for some people. The stark contrast between Al Madam’s deserted buildings and Dubai’s futuristic skyscrapers helps the attraction make an even stronger impression on its visitors.
Last but not least, it is an interesting location for taking photographs. This aspect of any tourist attraction is easy to underestimate, but appealing pictures actually play a massive role here – almost every traveler looks up the destination prior to visiting it, and Al Madam generates some of the most unique pictures you will find in the UAE.
How to Get to Al Madam?
Considering the town was abandoned partially because of its lack of infrastructure, you won’t be surprised to find out you can’t take a bus there. Almost the only way to get to Al-Madama is by off-road vehicle, and the most convenient way to do this is to rent a car. Compared to taking a guided tour, it will cost you less and give you the freedom to explore the site at your own pace. Thankfully, the town is only 60 kilometers away from Dubai, meaning most rental companies will allow you to take their cars there without any restrictions.
The exact location of Al Madam
We are attaching the exact location of the Ghost Town below, you can use them in Google Maps or copy the coordinates to any other navigational app. To reach it from Dubai, you will need to take the E44 highway, also known as the Dubai-Hatta Road, up until turning to the E55 highway. There, you will quickly reach the so-called meeting point, after which, you will need to travel through sandy roads for a bit before you finally reach the destination. The entire drive usually takes around forty-five minutes.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oZdJKNV1LciJyLTA8
What to Expect from a Trip to Dubai’s Ghost Town?
The first thing you should expect from a trip to Al Madam is the road itself, as it will take you around 45 minutes only to get there. Make sure you get an SUV or at least a four-wheel-drive car to pass the final stretch of sandy roads.
On the site itself, you should be ready for some harsh weather conditions, even if you’re traveling in winter. Of course, it is not located in the middle of the desert, but it is still very hot there, so we suggest bringing a sufficient supply of water with you.
As for the impressions, the experience is definitely as thrilling as the pictures present it. The feeling of walking through Al Madam is unique and captivating, although you should keep in mind that it is a fairly small attraction. Since there are only around 20 buildings, it won’t take much time for you to explore it.
Conclusion
Summing up, Al Madam, or Dubai’s Ghost Town is a place worth visiting for tourists who prefer non-mainstream sites to established attractions. It is fairly close to Dubai, and the town itself is very small, so it is even possible to plan for some other activities for the same day you visit Al Madam.