From the eerie corridors of ancient castles to the desolate ruins of long-abandoned homes, the Middle East is teeming with sites that have captured the human imagination for decades. With Halloween just around the corner, we decided to embark on a spine-tingling journey through some of the Arab world’s most haunted places that have drawn ghost hunters, skeptics, and curious wanderers in search of the unexplained and the unearthly.
Al Jazirat Al Hamra, UAE
The abandoned fishing village in Ras Al Khaimah was once home to the Zaab tribe. Today it stands as a ghost town, and has remained untouched and undeveloped since its tribe members have since migrated to other parts of the UAE once oil was discovered, leaving behind centuries-old homes, souqs, mosques, and alleyways which are now just remnants of the once flourishing coastal town. According to locals, the ghost town is haunted, drawing attention both regionally and internationally and even served as the setting for Netflix’s 2019 thriller 6 Underground starring Ryan Reynolds.
The Haunted House of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Situated nearly 100 metres from the seafront on Jeddah’s north corniche, the decaying home is one of the spookiest landmarks in the Kingdom. Legend has it that the abandoned house claimed the lives of 16 people, who entered and never came back out.
Bahla, Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate, Oman
In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this desert oasis is also known as a haunted town. Touted as one of the world’s most haunted cities by National Geographic in 2014, Bahla was made during the 12th to 15th century, by the then rulers of Banu Nebhan tribe. Called Madinat al-Sehr— the city of magic— one of the most famous stories involves a cursed tree growing in the citadel that will bring an untimely death to anyone who dares touch it.
Baron Palace, Egypt
Named after the millionaire Belgian industrialist who was its original owner, the neglected Baron Empain Palace in Cairo is rumored to be home to all types of supernatural entities. Rumors of the majestic palace being haunted began when the baron’s wife reportedly fell to her death from the palace’s tower, followed by the death of his daughter just a few years later. The run-down Indian-style mansion underwent major renovation in 2020, which took three-years to complete, and is now open to visit— only for those who dare.
Al Madam Ghost Village, UAE
Al Madam Ghost Village is a desolate and abandoned town situated in Sharjah that has gained a reputation for being haunted. Characterized by dilapidated and crumbling buildings, many of which are made of coral and stone, its eerie atmosphere and the stories surrounding its abandonment have contributed to its spooky reputation. Some locals claim to have witnessed paranormal activities, such as apparitions, unexplained sounds, and strange lights, fueling the belief that the town is cursed.
