UAE holiday getaway: Why you should visit Sharjah’s Mleiha

If you have already started planning your long weekends for the new year, and are looking for some unique and adventurous outings within the UAE, one place to certainly consider is the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah.

Located in the deserts of the UAE emirate – an hour’s drive from Dubai – the historical destination includes archaeological sites, a museum with exhibits and interactive displays, activities including trekking and horseback riding, wadi caves and artifacts dating back to the first movement of humans from Africa 130,000 years ago.

The centre aims to offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient Bedouin culture and details the stories around the pre-historic sites in the Mleiha, Jabal Bu’hais and Jabal Faya regions.

An ongoing excavation programme at the site also means there’s something new to discover for repeat visitors.

History dating back to the ages

In the hustle and bustle of urbanisation in the UAE, possibly the most fascinating aspect of a visit to Mleiha is its seclusion in the desert coupled with its historical significance. The site takes you back in time to give you a glimpse into the life of settlers in the region during the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, pre-Islamic, Islamic and modern ages.

Once there, an interesting site worth visiting is the Umm an-Nar tomb. Located close to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, it is considered to be the most impressive grave building among the many ancient funeral sites in the Mleiha area. Constructed around 2300 BCE, the burial site was used for approximately 200 years.

Another Neolithic site located at the entrance to the first large wadi also has burials from the era.

Meanwhile the main archaeological site consists of the remains of the old town of Mleiha, dating back 2,000 years when it was located on an important trade route between the east and west. The town consists of a palace surrounded by eight different watch towers. The neighbouring buildings include burial tombs, farmhouses and an old oven built into the ground to protect it from winds.

Activities galore

For those eyeing a staycation, camping experiences are also available and in the winter weather, staying overnight underneath the stars promises a memorable adventure.

There is also a lot to do in terms of activities including dune buggy rides, desert cycling tours and cave journeys, among other experiences. Guides are also available on site. For children, engaging experiences include fossil moulding classes, a flora and fauna workshop and space camp.

With an array of experiences to offer, Mleiha guarantees an unforgettable journey for any visitor.