Afternoon coffee in the desert was a delightful habit while I was living in the sandpit. Spending the day in Jebel Al Faya, 20 minutes drive from the bustling city of Dubai occupied a relaxing part of our weekend. Jebel means mountain in Arabic. Jebel Al Faya is an archaeological site near Al Madam in the central region of the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
The rocky limestone mountain outlier echoed of quad engines and 4x4 vehicles exploring the red sand dunes. The sound almost disappeared afterward and a lovely sense of calm took over.
Archeological Site
In 2011, archeologists discovered evidence of a prehistoric tool factory that dates back to 250,000 years old.
The limestone hill is situated midway between the Arabian Gulf and the Hajar Mountains. Ancient human presence and occupation thrived here despite the harsh desert conditions. According to this article, the settlements in Jebel Faya benefitted from the water catchment coming from the Hajar Mountains.
Excavations started as early as 2003. Several trenches were excavated about 4.50 meters deep, covering around 150 square meters according to Bretzke, a German archeologist overseeing the dig.
"The scientific analysis of the archaeological remains acknowledges phenomena of universal importance such as the understanding of how anatomically modern humans spread out of Africa, the understanding of the particular nomadic way of life during the Neolithic and Bronze Age or the domestication of dromedary which is central in the lifestyle of desert populations still today." - UNESCO.org
Admire the Red Sand Dunes Up in the Air
Jebel Al Faya is not only a paleolithic find. It is a favorite paragliding site for gliders living in the city and an ideal family picnic ground within the desert.
Jebel Faya was one of his favorite sites. I drove the 4x4 vehicle with a radio in hand so we could communicate. I was in charge of picking him up where he lands.
To show you the aerial view of Jebel Faya, watch
I sat on my mat and lay down to read a book while
I climbed up the sand dunes. The scent of picnic barbeque filled the air while families sat on picnic chairs outside of their tents.
Chased by Wild Camels
From afar, I admired a group of wild camels saunter along, headed towards the nearby farm. My curiosity led me to walk closer to these beautiful, sweet, and graceful creatures of the desert.
If there was one important lesson I have learned while coming here, stay away from wild camels for they don't like to be disturbed.
I made the mistake of approaching a group of dromedary with my camera. These camels belonged to the nearby camel farms so they were not really wild per se, but were free to roam about on their own.
Once, my curiosity led me to be chased running, laughing, screaming in the desert, and having dodged an inevitable bite. I ran so fast and made it to the vehicle just in time and only a few inches away. He peered through the windshield with discontent and later walked away.
This was his expression before he chased me
Camels are by nature very sensitive animals and could easily sense what others are feeling. I suppose he sensed my initial fear when I have gotten far too close invading their space. They are attached to their surroundings. and they have the most loving eyes and the longest lashes.
I suppose he didn't like being photographed and probably thought I was mocking him. I had an idea how a camel bite felt like, for I was bitten by an adolescent camel in the bums many years ago.
Grab a mat and lie down
Be on the lookout for quad drivers to keep them from running you over. Sometimes, this place is completely empty. A quiet site to read a book or enjoy alone-time for reflection.
Walk barefoot on the soft sand or Hike on the Sand Dunes
During the winter season, the cold sand is refreshing. Climb up the dunes barefoot and benefit from the great exercise.
There are various hiking trails in the area to discover archeological sites and nature views such as The Sphinx, Surfing Wave Rock, and Valley of the Caves.
Camp Outdoors and Enjoy a Barbecue Picnic
Bring some friends, enjoy its rugged beauty over food and drinks and sleep under the stars. At the time, we just camped anywhere but there is a nearby camping site called Mleiha, Mt. Faya Camp Site.
Visit the Mleiha Archaeological Museum
The excavated stone age relics and metal artefacs could be appreciated and seen here for all archeological enthusiasts and curious visitors. This wasn't constructed yet when we frequented the mountain range.
Fossil Rock
Not far from the campsite is a picturesque fossil rock covered in fossils of sea creatures and shells surrounded by amber dunes.
Camel Rock
This vantage point and rock formation is another beautiful site to admire the unique red sunset
Visit the nearby Al Madam "Ghost" Village
An eerie abandoned village in the middle of nowhere that could only be accessed by skillfully driving 4x4 vehicles. The graffiti-covered houses constructed in the 70s are partially buried in sand and were since deserted in 1995.
Watch and admire the sunset
My coffee kept me company during afternoons in the desert. After my husband rolled his glider and stored his paragliding equipment in the vehicle, we drove to Fossil Rock and walked together barefoot in the sand to appreciate the sunset against the jagged limestone and soft dunes.
Here are more photos taken in different times we visited Jebel Faya
When I recently saw the same brand of coffee while recently traveling to Manila, it brought me back to those lovely quiet weekends in the Middle East.
Thank you for reading and for joining me in my nostalgic daydreaming. Wishing you all a Happy Easter!
References:
Inspired by my original post
Nationalnews.com : The long read: Out of Arabia, the story of early humanity
The Cultural Landscape of the Central Region of Sharjah