'Strange' locations to visit around UAE this weekend

Jazirat Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai - You may need a 4x4 to get to some of these spots.

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By Keith Pereña

Published: Fri 15 Feb 2019, 5:04 PM

These places are not tourist destinations per se, so you have to seek them out on your own. In some spots, you might even need a 4x4. That being said, here are some strange and somewhat hidden locations around the UAE.
Abandoned Russian airplanes, Umm Al Quwain
In its present, decrepit state, the plane is being used as a billboard for a local hotel. The aircraft is a Soviet-era Ilyushin IL76. Many rumours surround this behemoth which has since become a favourite among photographers.

Right across where it is lies another Russian plane. This one is an Antonov AN-2 which is adorned with the colours of the UAE flag. Google Street View photos even show you the insides of this small plane, which still remains intact!

Abandoned Antonov AN-2, Ildar Gabdrakhmanov via Google Street View
Al Qassimi Palace, Ras Al Khaimah

Al Qassimi Palace, Kelly Clarke/Khaleej Times
Located along Sheikh Rashid Bin Said Road, this now-defunct hotel reportedly cost Dh500 million to build. The 31-year-old hotel has received a couple of visitors eager to see if the place is really 'haunted'. It's not really abandoned as a watchman is still around. According to a 2016 KT report, the watchman has experienced unusual occurrences such as a child's laugh emanating from the hotel. 
Buried Village, Sharjah
You'll need a 4x4 for this one. The Buried Village is located just off Sharjah's Al Madam Road. The village is home to multiple rows of villas submerged in the sand. At the end of the 'main road' is a mosque. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing because you may have to climb over some dunes to explore the place.
Jazirat Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah
This abandoned village in RAK is infamous for being allegedly 'haunted'. Like Al Qassimi Palace, stories of supernatural occurrences surround this once prosperous pearling village. According to earlier Khaleej Times reports, the village was totally abandoned in 1968 after falling on hard times. Today, the village is also an archaeological site and a photographer's paradise.
keith@khaleejtimes.com

Keith Pereña

Published: Fri 15 Feb 2019, 5:04 PM

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