Located in the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Al-Madam, is a desert village that serves as a solemn testament to the rapid urbanization that has taken place in the country.
Despite being only an hour’s drive away from the bustling skyscrapers of Dubai, this village, known as al-Ghuraifa, remains abandoned since the 1990s.
Originally constructed in the 1970s to provide housing for the semi-nomadic Bedouin population, al-Ghuraifa was eventually forsaken as the nation’s newfound oil wealth propelled it into the forefront of global commerce and tourism.
Today, this ghost village has garnered attention from tourists seeking respite from the concrete jungles that dominate the coastal cities, offering them a glimpse into the Emirates’ humble and challenging past.
The village, consisting of two rows of homes and a mosque, holds within its humble structures a wealth of knowledge about the modern history of the United Arab Emirates.
Ahmad Sukkar, an esteemed assistant professor at the University of Sharjah, is currently involved in a dedicated research team that aims to unravel the mysteries and untold stories of this significant site.
With its modest yet significant architectural features, this village serves as a living testament to the evolution and transformation of the UAE over the years.
By delving into the intricate details and historical context of this village, Sukkar and his team hope to shed light on the past, uncover hidden narratives, and ultimately contribute to a deeper understanding of the nation’s rich heritage.
Constructed as a constituent of a public housing initiative subsequent to the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, a federation comprising seven sheikhdoms, this village emerged at a time when the country was being gradually transformed by the burgeoning oil industry, which had been discovered a mere 13 years earlier.
The village, overseen by Sukkar, accommodated approximately 100 members of the al-Ketbi tribe, who belonged to a cluster of Bedouin tribes that had previously led a semi-nomadic existence, tending to livestock, traversing the desert oases, and occasionally visiting the burgeoning port towns of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which heavily relied on fishing and pearl diving.
These contemporary cement abodes, designed to facilitate the transition to a more settled lifestyle, boasted distinctive local embellishments. The interior walls were resplendently adorned with vibrant hues, and some even showcased intricate mosaics.
Furthermore, the houses were equipped with designated areas where the village elders could convene local councils, commonly referred to as “majalis” in Arabic.
Remarkably, one of the houses boasted wallpaper depicting a luxuriant green landscape, serving as a striking juxtaposition to the monotonous expanse of sand that stretched beyond its walls.
The reasons behind the sudden departure of residents from the homes built just two decades ago remain somewhat elusive.
Local legends suggest that the presence of malevolent spirits drove them away, but Sukkar argues that it is more plausible that they left in search of a better life in the rapidly developing cities of the UAE.
The village lacked essential amenities such as reliable access to electricity and water, and it was constantly battered by sandstorms.
Moreover, families would have had to endure long and arduous commutes across the desert to access government jobs and schools in Dubai.
As time passes, the village is gradually being reclaimed by the desert. Drifts of sand have infiltrated the homes, obscuring walls and nearly reaching the ceiling in some rooms.
However, the mosque stands as a testament to the village’s past, as it is diligently maintained by workers from nearby al-Madam who regularly sweep away the encroaching sand.
In the Emirates, there are still some descendants of the camel-mounted Bedouin who used to traverse the vast desert sands.
However, many of these descendants have now relocated to bustling cities adorned with gleaming skyscrapers, expansive air-conditioned malls, and an extensive network of modern highways.
While the rural stretches of the UAE still house some of these descendants, the majority of the country’s population is made up of expatriates from various corners of the globe. Interestingly, some of these expatriates have developed a fascination with the UAE’s more modest and humble past.
Recently, one could observe tour guides leading groups of visitors through the deserted village that once thrived with the vibrant presence of the Bedouin community.
This abandoned village has also served as the backdrop for music videos and social media posts, featuring foreign models, luxurious cars, and extravagant displays of wealth, which have become synonymous with Dubai’s reputation today.
“I wonder why they left,” pondered Nitin Panchal, a curious Indian expatriate who found himself visiting the enigmatic site. The allure of the place had captivated his imagination, leading him to contemplate the reasons behind its abandonment.
Could it have been the work of a mystical genie, or perhaps the result of dark and mysterious black magic? Alas, the truth may forever remain shrouded in uncertainty, leaving us to speculate endlessly.
Recognizing the need to protect and preserve this enigmatic location, the municipality had recently taken measures to safeguard its fragile existence.
A sturdy fence now encircled its perimeter, accompanied by a security gate that stood as a sentinel against unwanted intrusions.
Garbage bins were thoughtfully placed, ensuring that the site remained free from litter and debris. Additionally, a parking lot was constructed, providing visitors with a convenient place to park their vehicles.
These new precautions, while necessary for the site’s preservation, had inadvertently diminished some of its mystique.
The once-unraveled enigma now stood partially unraveled, its secrets exposed to the prying eyes of the world.
This revelation, however, had an unintended consequence—a growing possibility of the site transforming into yet another tourist attraction in a country already brimming with such destinations.
Danny Booth, an expatriate hailing from the Isle of Man, a British Crown Dependency nestled in the Irish Sea, had sensed the impending change and promptly decided to pay a visit before the site’s transformation was complete.
He believed that there was an inherent charm in these hidden gems that often faded away once they became overrun with crowds.
Booth’s desire to experience the site in its unadulterated state was a sentiment shared by many who sought solace and wonder in the untouched corners of the world.
As the future of this mysterious location hangs in the balance, the debate between preservation and accessibility continues.
While the newly implemented measures ensure the site’s protection, they also risk undermining the very essence that drew people to it in the first place.
Only time will tell if this enigmatic place can strike a delicate balance, offering visitors a glimpse into its captivating past while retaining the allure of the unknown.