Al Madam, town in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Al Madam is an abandoned settlement in eastern Sharjah built after 1971 as a government housing project for local tribes. The roughly 12 original homes and a mosque are now heavily covered by shifting sand dunes, with cracked walls, peeling wallpaper, and missing roofs telling the story of decades of abandonment.
Founded in the early 1970s shortly after the UAE was established in 1971, the settlement was created as part of a government plan to house Bedouin tribes during the country's unification period. Within roughly 20 years, residents abandoned the village, likely driven by harsh sandstorms and limited access to opportunities elsewhere.
The village reflects the heritage of Bedouin tribes who once roamed the desert before settling here, with their way of life visible in the abandoned homes and mosque. The site reveals how a small community organized itself around shared spaces and maintained traditions despite the harsh environment.
The site is open to the public with no entrance fee, allowing free exploration of all buildings and paths. Visit between November and February when temperatures are milder and less intense, as summer heat makes exploring uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.
The mosque remains partially buried under sand dunes with only its minaret visible above ground, creating a striking image of time's passage. Some houses still contain furniture and personal items left behind, offering direct glimpses into the daily lives of former residents.
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