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Hello! 👋
Today, we’re keeping it short and a bit unusual, as the topic we want to discuss came about… by accident. While browsing the map in search of new places to explore, a tiny spot surrounded by several borders caught our eye. “What is Nahwa?” we wondered. It turned out this is no ordinary place.
Nahwa is a small geographical curiosity that, at first glance, looks like something straight out of a quiz on the world’s most unusual borders. It’s located within the United Arab Emirates but is actually an exclave… of Oman. Or rather, an enclave within an enclave, if you count the surrounding Omani territory of Madha. Intrigued, we decided to visit and see what this oddly mapped spot was all about.
Where is Nahwa located?
Nahwa is a small village belonging to the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Its unique geographical location makes it an enclave of the UAE surrounded by Omani territory – specifically, the exclave of Madha, which itself is an Omani enclave within the UAE. This configuration makes Nahwa a counter-enclave, or a second-order enclave.
To reach Nahwa, you’ll need to pass through the territory of Madha. An asphalt road from the town of Wadi Madha provides access to the village. Despite the complex border setup, both Madha and Nahwa are open to travelers, and moving between them doesn’t require special permits or border checks.
Enclave or exclave?
Exactly – Nahwa is a true geographical puzzle! Imagine this: Nahwa is an exclave of the United Arab Emirates, but at the same time, it’s an enclave within the Omani enclave of Madha, which in turn is surrounded by… the UAE. Sounds like a real jigsaw, doesn’t it? 🧩
It’s a bit like a matryoshka doll, but with international borders. Nahwa is an enclave within an enclave that itself is an exclave. What a mix! 😂 If reading this gives you a slight headache, don’t worry – we also found ourselves thinking, “Wait, what?!” at first. 🤯
Similar complex territorial arrangements existed along the India-Bangladesh border before 2015, where numerous exclaves and enclaves were found, including rare third-order cases – enclaves within enclaves within enclaves.
Another example is the Belgian town of Baarle-Hertog, which consists of 22 exclaves within the Dutch town of Baarle-Nassau. Some of these Belgian exclaves even contain Dutch enclaves.
How to get to Nahwa
To get here, the best option is to take the route through the town of Wadi Madha, which is part of Oman’s Madha enclave. This road is more suitable for standard vehicles, whereas the route from Masafi can be challenging for cars with low ground clearance and is better suited for 4×4 vehicles.
In this region, there are no physical border control points, allowing for seamless movement between territories. However, if you’re planning to drive a rental car to Nahwa, it’s essential to check whether your rental agreement permits crossing such borders. Some rental companies may have restrictions on entering specific areas, and violating these terms could lead to consequences – especially if the vehicle is equipped with a GPS system that tracks its location.
Brief history
The history of this unique territorial arrangement dates back to the 1930s when local leaders had to decide whether their lands would align with one of the neighboring emirates or Oman. The inhabitants of Madha chose allegiance to Oman, while the residents of Nahwa pledged loyalty to Sharjah, resulting in the current border configuration.
Nahwa, though small, provides visitors with a glimpse into the unique geographical and cultural aspects of the region. Nearby, you can also find the Al Nahwa Cave, an intriguing spot for nature and history enthusiasts.
SIM card
It’s important to note that Nahwa is a place where modern conveniences may be limited. You won’t find hotels or restaurants here, and mobile phone coverage – especially if you’re using a SIM card from the UAE – is unavailable.
You can download an offline map before setting out, which will help you navigate areas with no signal. This feature works great and offers peace of mind while exploring less accessible regions.
What did we see while exploring the region?
Our journey through the region began with a visit to Shees Park near the Al Multaqa Tunnel. When we visited in January 2023, road construction was underway in the area. It’s worth watching out for loose stones and potential obstacles along the way—caution is key here.
Exploration of Madha Road and Nahwa
From Shees, you can attempt the drive along Madha Road towards Nahwa, but a 4×4 vehicle is a must. We personally didn’t try it—lack of mobile network coverage in this area means no way to call for roadside assistance unless you have GPS equipment with a satellite communicator. Solo trips to this region can be risky, and besides, we were driving a compact car.
Wadi Madha and surrounding areas
Driving from Mirbih, you’ll enter Wadi Madha—a small, peaceful village perfect for a short stroll. Keep in mind, though, that you’re unlikely to find signs in English here. The area has its own local charm, making it a great opportunity to soak in the unique atmosphere of this part of Oman.
Along Madha Road, be cautious of falling rocks. We came across large boulders on the road, which made us realize just how dangerous such areas can be. It’s definitely not something you’d want landing on your car!
Picnic spots and Madha Dam
Along the main road, you’ll find several picnic spots perfect for a quick break. Continuing further, you’ll reach the Madha Dam—a place that surprises with its remarkable silence. We hadn’t experienced such tranquility in a long time, making it an attraction in its own right.
Towards Nahwa
Continuing the journey towards Nahwa, you’ll pass the Oman-UAE border, marked by Omani flags and a fire station building. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Al Nahwa Old Hamlet, a place shrouded in calm—or perhaps emptiness? 😊 At first glance, it looked like an abandoned village, but as it turns out, it’s a deliberately restored settlement aimed at attracting tourists and showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.
After returning, we decided to dig deeper into the story and found some interesting details. Al Nahwa Old Hamlet is a project undertaken by the Sharjah government to restore the charm of traditional architecture. It’s a place where you can stroll among historic houses and soak in the atmosphere of the past. For the more adventurous, there are trails leading to ancient watchtowers in the surrounding mountains, offering a glimpse into the region’s archaeological heritage.
Our impressions
When we arrived, the village was absolutely silent. We didn’t encounter a single soul, and the only open facility was a restroom (at least they thought of that!). Walking through the area, it was clear that a lot of effort had gone into restoring the buildings, but the absence of tourists or local residents made the place feel a bit lifeless.
Summary
Even if it’s just for the fun of witnessing such a unique border setup, a trip to Nahwa is definitely worth it. Fuel in the UAE is incredibly cheap, and renting a car won’t strain your budget. Distances? Barely worth mentioning – everything in this region is practically within arm’s reach. Well, unless you’re camping near the Saudi border – then it might be a bit farther, but hey, that just adds to the adventure! 😊
If you found this post intriguing, we invite you to explore our other articles. Each one is packed with practical tips, fun facts, and personal experiences, all shared with great attention to detail:
- 📖 Our comprehensive coverage of the UAE – Everything you need to know about the country: pros, cons and our impressions.
- 🌇 Dubai and surroundings – From futuristic buildings to traditional markets. A guide to a city full of contrasts.
- 🏙️ Abu Dhabi and surroundings – What to see in the Emirati capital? From the Grand Mosque to driving an autonomous cab.
