Masafi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Masafi is a village located on the edge of the Hajar Mountains in the United Arab Emirates. It developed along the old unpaved road which ran from Fujairah to Dubai via Sharjah. It was a trading post and refuelling stop for 4x4 vehicles and camel trains that plied the route before the modern highways were built in the 1970s.

The village is divided into two parts: the larger belongs to the emirate of Fujairah, the smaller belongs to the emirate of Ras al Khaimah. Symbolising the historic division between the two emirates is an unfinished building straddling the boundary. This building was a scene of fighting when its ownership was disputed. Eventually, the conflict was ended by the acquisition of the offending construction by the Federal Government.

The name "Masafi" is Arabic for "pure water", and the village is known for its natural springs. Masafi is also the name of the Persian Gulf's leading water producer, which is situated near the village itself.