The Ghosts of Al Jazirah Al Hamra: The Haunted Ghost Town of the UAE



Nestled along the coast of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, Al Jazirah Al Hamra is an abandoned fishing and pearling village shrouded in mystery and haunted lore. Known as the "Red Island," this once-thriving settlement is now a crumbling ghost town, its silent streets and ruined buildings said to be inhabited by spirits and jinn.

A Village Frozen in Time

Al Jazirah Al Hamra was originally a prosperous coastal village, home to the Za’ab tribe, who built their livelihoods through fishing and pearl diving. The settlement thrived for centuries, with its coral stone houses, mosques, and bustling markets reflecting its success. However, by the 1960s, the entire population mysteriously abandoned the village, leaving behind an eerie ghost town.

The reasons for this sudden exodus remain debated—some claim economic decline and modernization led the villagers to relocate, while others believe that something far more sinister drove them away. Local legends whisper of supernatural forces, jinn infestations, and ghostly encounters that made life unbearable.

The Haunted Ruins

Today, Al Jazirah Al Hamra is a shadow of its former self, its once-lively streets now filled with crumbling houses, wind-swept alleys, and an ominous stillness that unsettles visitors. Many believe that the village is cursed, haunted by jinn—supernatural beings from Arabian folklore known for their trickery and malevolent nature. Locals and paranormal enthusiasts who dare to explore the ruins have reported chilling encounters, including:

Disembodied whispers echoing through the empty houses.

Mysterious shadows darting between doorways, even when no one else is around.

Strange lights flickering in abandoned homes.

Sudden cold spots and an overwhelming sense of being watched.

Some visitors claim to have heard voices calling their names, while others have seen apparitions in traditional Emirati clothing disappearing into the darkness. The fear of encountering a jinn is so strong that many residents of Ras Al Khaimah refuse to enter the village after sunset.

Jinn: The Spirits of Al Jazirah Al Hamra

In Middle Eastern folklore, jinn are powerful and unpredictable beings that exist in a parallel world, capable of appearing as humans or animals and influencing the lives of mortals. The abandoned village is believed to be a hotspot for these entities, with numerous accounts of possessions, eerie laughter, and objects moving on their own.

Some believe that the sudden abandonment of the village was due to the residents being tormented by these unseen forces. Stories tell of families driven to madness, their homes plagued by poltergeist-like activity, forcing them to flee in desperation.

A Paranormal Hotspot

Al Jazirah Al Hamra has become a magnet for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers eager to experience its supernatural atmosphere. Paranormal investigators have visited the site, capturing unsettling electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), unexplained movements, and eerie sounds that seem to defy explanation.

Despite its haunted reputation, the village is also an important cultural and historical site. Efforts have been made to preserve its architecture and heritage, and it even serves as a backdrop for film productions and cultural festivals. However, even with its historical significance, the ghostly legends continue to overshadow its past.

Would You Dare to Visit?

For those intrigued by the supernatural, Al Jazirah Al Hamra is one of the most haunted locations in the UAE, offering an unforgettable experience steeped in mystery. Whether you visit for its history or its hauntings, one thing is certain—this ghost town has a lingering presence that refuses to be forgotten.