Near the mountains in the Wadi Haqeel region, at the northern border of the United Arab Emirates, one can see a group of stone houses, which the residents built decades ago used as a shelter. Although the stone houses in Wadi Haqeel lost their former role, they have turned into a tourist landmark that attracts visitors that can learn about the features of life that prevailed in the distant past.
HARSH DIFFICULTIES OF LIKE IN THE PAST
In ancient times and before the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, urban and nomadic societies in the mountain areas lived in stone houses. The houses were made from the rocks of the mountains (due to the abundance of availability). For the roof, they used animal skins and wood.
The stone houses in Wadi Haqeel were occupied mostly during the summer season when people from the high mountains used to migrate to other houses located near the valley. They were constructed in either the shape of a square or a rectangle, and the one consisted of one room with a short door and a ceiling of cedarwood.
The people living in Wadi Haqeel depended on food that was grown in the region, pure mountain honey, ghee, and milk, and on what they managed to import from outside the emirate such as rice and grains.
Despite various factors like for example erosion, the stone houses in Wadi Haqeel remained resilient, even some of them look as if their inhabitants had just left yesterday. They reflect in the essence the harsh difficulties of life in the past. You can admire here: 25.843468, 56.063562.
This place is also associated with a rich pottery history, that I previously wrote about here: Forgotten Story Buried in Wadi Haqeel
COMBINE THE TRIP WITH HIKING OR CAMPING!
You do not need a 4×4 car to explore the area of Wadi Haqeel – although the road is a dirt road, it is smooth and in a good condition. However – wanting to access a hidden camping spot, that is situated in the valley, here: 25.852512, 56.067699, you will possibly have to use four-wheel drive.
Alternatively, just right next to the road, there is a plain terrain (old farming area) – it has a lot of space to set up a camp for a few people at least. You do not need to be worried about random visitors in this area – the road leads to a dead-end where you can spot a small heritage house and further a stable for goats.
Previously, in the past, you could drive it all the way from Wadi Haqeel to the top of the village Sal Haqeel (that I previously wrote about in this article: Sal Haqeel – Climb the Mountains and Listen to Their Stories), however, heavy rain totally damaged it about two years ago and the only way to reach it now is by hiking.
REMEMBER!
- Do not leave any garbage behind, including food. Even organic waste can take months to biodegrade and meanwhile it will attract animals. It may not only make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind but also it may make them sick.
- Have always a bag ready to collect trash left behind by other inconsiderate people – in the end, you are saving nature.
- Hike or camp over gravel and rocks. In some areas, the vegetation can take years to grow back.
- Leave natural and historical items where you find them.
- Minimize cooking over a campfire, use the stove instead – it is less impact on the wilderness.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover around the United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all questions you could have about off-roading in the UAE.
You can get it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UrKZdo
FIELD GUIDE TO EMIRATES
To learn more about UAE’s natural & archaeological treasures, check: https://www.fieldguidetoemirates.com
I hope you found this article about the stone houses in Wadi Haqeel helpful and it gave you an idea of where to head to next weekend. If you are looking for more places to visit nearby, I recommend you to check: Al Mazra Fort – the Eerie Marvel and Unraveling the Mystery of Hebs Stairs.
