Tahil is a remote settlement in the desert of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates that consists of a tiny group of houses and a mosque.
Here, camels in herds peacefully traverse the distant dunes of Tahil desert, seeking shade and shelter under the branches of wonderful ghaf trees.
PRECIOUS GHAF TREE
The United Arab Emirates lacks a diverse range of native trees and that is why the robust indigenous species, that can thrive in the harsh desert environment, are so precious.
The magnificent and valuable ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) grows on low sand dunes and along the margins of gravel plains, spreading out its luxuriant canopy filled with blossom and fruit during long, dry periods when much of the ground vegetation is dormant. The existence of ghaf tree (Arabic: غاف) suggests the presence of subsurface water. This incredible tree can extract water from deep within the sand, with its roots reaching depths of up to 30 meters and therefore it stabilizes shifting sand dunes
Ghaf tree has various functions. The leaves were once substituted for rice by Bedouin people. They are also excellent and nutritious fodder for animals. Seedpods of Prosopis cineraria contain a delicious pulp called locally “khoka”. The wood of ghaff tree was used as timber for boar frames, tools, and building houses. Gum resin has similar properties to the gum of acacias. It also improves soil conditions and therefore it provides higher availability of nutrients for the growth of crops.
And most importantly—ghaf tree is used as traditional medicine.
The flower of the Prosopis cineraria mashed and combined with sugar was used as a miscarriage preventative during pregnancy. Anti-inflammatory effects have been found in a water-soluble extract of the residue from methanol extract of stem bark.
The tree’s bark is dry, acrid, bitter, and has a harsh flavor. It’s a cooling anthelmintic and tonic that helps with piles, muscle spasms, asthma, leprosy, dysentery, bronchitis, and leucoderma. The smoke from the leaves is beneficial to people who have problems with their eyes. The fruit is dry and spicy, it induces biliousness and damages the nails and hair. Rheumatism coughs, and colds are also treated with this bark. Prosopis cineraria is said to be effective in treating snakebites and scorpion stings.
GHAF TREE IN TRADITION
In the United Arab Emirates, the ghaf tree is traditionally regarded as a point of meeting, where individuals can gather and rest before moving on to their next destination. Because it feeds both humans and animals, the tree is also considered to be immensely powerful in a spiritual way—providing comfort and peace to those under its protection.
GHAF TREE ECOSYSTEM
The ghaf woodlands are rich in insect populations, which provide food for reptiles, birds, and small animals. Many species build nests on trees, including the Desert Eagle Owl, Brown-necked Raven, Yellow-throated Sparrow, and Long-legged Buzzard. Other species in the ecosystem will become extinct if ghaf trees become extinct. That is why cutting or damaging a ghaf tree is illegal.
HOW TO GET TO TAHIL DESERT
Taking the turn from the main road, you will embark on a hard paved off-road track (25.350359, 55.732403). I would recommend deflating the tires at this point.
If you are not familiar with desert off-roading but own a 4×4 car, this is a perfect trail to enjoy the desert off-road experience. Following the road, you will reach the other side of the desert, near the village of Biyatah (25.412469, 55.797618). You can also swerve from the main road and by checking Google Map satellite view find clusters of ghaf trees surrounded by pristine sand dunes.
Taking this scenic route among precious ghaf trees, please keep in mind that it is not allowed to do overnight camping in some particular places—you will come across the signs informing you about this restriction.
Watch the video from my last trip to Tahil desert:
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 make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind and 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/3eQMBbr
FIELD GUIDE TO EMIRATES
To learn more about UAE’s natural & archaeological treasures, check: https://amzn.to/34DwUlp
I hope you found this article about Tahil desert helpful and it gave you an idea of where to head to next weekend. If you are looking for more places to explore in the desert, I recommend you to check: Woodlands of Ras Al Khaimah Desert or Desert Mirage or Oasis? Al Qudra Forest.
