Mleiha Archaeological & Eco-Tourism Centre
Situated in the dramatic desert interior of Sharjah between crimson sand dunes and jagged limestone massifs, Mleiha is one of the most vital archaeological landscapes in the Middle East. Archaeological excavations here have unearthed evidence of the earliest anatomically modern humans migrating out of Africa through the Arabian Peninsula approximately 130,000 years ago. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre provides an interactive presentation of deep human antiquity. Surrounding the centre are excavated monuments spanning millennia, including a massive Bronze Age Umm an-Nar communal circular tomb (c. 2500 BCE), an ancient pre-Islamic palace with defensive towers, an Iron Age fort, and an operational ancient coin mint. Beyond archaeology, Mleiha offers premier eco-adventure expeditions. Guided desert treks, fat-tire biking, paragliding, and dune-buggy safaris lead to iconic geological landmarks like Fossil Rock (Jebel Maleihah) and Camel Rock, where prehistoric marine fossils are visible in the stone.
“A UNESCO-nominated desert sanctuary preserving 130,000 years of human history, from Paleolithic hunter-gatherers to pre-Islamic forts.”
— Tourism Compass Heritage Committee