Land with interlocking borders like a 'Russian doll'

Nahwa village is in UAE but is located entirely in Madha region of Oman and Madha is an Omani land located in the heart of UAE.

Driving through the small village of Nahwa in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), you would be hard-pressed to notice anything unusual. The architecture and landscape resemble what visitors would find throughout the Hajar Mountains that run along the eastern coast of the UAE and Oman.

Signpost to Nawha. Photo: CNN — Signpost to Nawha. Photo: *CNN*

But if you look at the map, you will discover something interesting. Nahwa is an exclave of the UAE located entirely within the Madha region of Oman. And this Madha land is located entirely within the UAE while being surrounded by the three emirates of Fujairah, Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah. This is reminiscent of the image of Russian Matryoshka dolls, when inside the large doll there is a small doll and inside the small doll there is a smaller doll. Because of this unique geographical location, CNN has called Nahwa "one of the most complicated borders on the planet" or "a border like a Russian doll".

So why is Nahwa in such a complicated position today? The origin begins with the decision of the people of this village in the first half of the 20th century. When the rulers of the lands in the Middle East began to redefine the borders to divide them into independent states as they are today, the people of Madha swore allegiance to the Sultan of Oman. Therefore, Madha became part of the current territory of Oman. Meanwhile, the people of Nahwa chose to follow the Al Qawasim royal family of Sharjah.

UAE flag at Al Nahwa. Photo: CNN — UAE flag in Nahwa. Photo: *CNN*

While Nawha’s borders are complicated on paper, in reality, travel between the two enclaves is considered straightforward. There are no fences or passport controls of any kind when people want to cross from the UAE into Oman or from Oman into the UAE. “We’re like family here,” said one local as he filled up his tank at Madha.

One of the few things that helps visitors discover the difference in daily life between the two countries is the constant stream of cars from the UAE side heading towards Madha in Oman. The reason is that gasoline prices in Oman are cheaper than in the UAE, so the gas station in Madha becomes one of the busiest spots in town.

Today, Nahwa Village is divided into Old Nahwa and New Nahwa. The old area has been largely abandoned since the 1990s, when New Nahwa was built on higher ground a few hundred meters from the main road, with a school, a clinic and about 40 houses. Many visitors say the village has a peaceful feel. People continue to live their daily lives, not worrying much about the complicated borders.

Climbing to explore the Hajar Mountains. Photo: Visit Sharjah — Hiking and exploring the Hajar Mountains. Photo: *Visit Sharjah*

At the Al Nahwa Archaeological Center, UAE flags flutter in the wind as a tangible welcome to the land of the United Arab Emirates. The newly opened facility aims to provide an overview of Nahwa’s heritage and services to visitors. From here, visitors can visit the historical sites located in the surrounding hills.

In addition to activities such as camping and swimming in freshwater lakes, visitors can take hiking and mountain climbing trips to explore the Hajar range. Nestled in the heart of the mountain range are valleys with natural beauty, traditional settlements, agricultural areas, and date palm plantations.

The easiest way to get to Nawha is from the emirate of Sharjah. There are three routes from here: Khorfakkan which takes about 80 minutes, Masafi which takes 90 minutes and Kalba which takes almost 100 minutes.

Anh Minh (According to CNN, Visit Sharjah )

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