Abandoned places hold much wonder for many intrepid travellers.
Each of them holds a snapshot of history frozen in time which adds to its allure and danger.
Whether devastated by natural disasters, a major depletion of natural sources, war and other armed conflicts or simply human interventions – many factors all play a role in turning a once bustling area into a ghost town.
One such abandoned region is only 46 miles from Dubai. Despite its proximity to the incredibly busy city, the town of Al Madam is buried in sand and eerily quiet.
It’s been dubbed the “ghost town” of the United Arab Emirates and is filled sand dunes and abandoned homes with cracked walls and peeling wallpaper.
Located only a one-hour drive from downtown Dubai, Al Madam is a small town in the emirate of Sharjah, nestled between the borders of Oman and Sharjah.
It was built in the 1970s but it’s understood that it was abandoned by the 1990s and left to the elements.
The town is surrounded by an endless sea of ochre sand which has now swallowed most of it houses and a mosque.
It’s been speculated the mounting sand dunes which have overtaken this region was due to the harsh impact of sandstorms with others pointing to rapid modernisation in neighbouring states as being the cause of Al Madam’s ghost-like atmosphere.
During the 90s, the United Arab Emirates transformed from a collection of desert principalities into a modern state with many of its residents moving to pastures new.
Some of them were forced to leave Al Madam and abandon their homes as long commutes and the tumultuous desert winds made life unbearable.
Regardless, the exact cause for its demise and enigmatic exodus largely remains unknown.
Despite Al Madam’s haunting appearance, it’s become a hotspot for thrill-seekers.
Access remains available to the public which can be done either with a tour guide or by self-exploration.
There is no fee to visit Al Madam allowing visitors who are brave enough to explore the area and discover its intriguing history free of charge.
Those interested in embarking in the sand-filled town are advised not to visit during the summer months due to the challenging climate of the desert with November being the ideal time to explore.
Travellers can either drive by car, or can take a bus or a taxi from bustling Dubai and has been described as “a very special place” by one TripAdvisor review, that’s “fully accessible by car with no need for any 4*4.”
Another added: “A great place for photo shoots. The wind is strong so the sand will cover you but worth the visit.”