Mleiha Archaeological Center, Sharjah - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 56 km from Sharjah International Airport and 69 km from Dubai International Airport, Mleiha is a pre-historic site in the emirate of Sharjah in UAE. It is one of the interesting places in Sharjah for history buffs.

The Mleiha Archaeological Centre was opened in 2016 by the Ruler of Sharjah, Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. It is a visitor center and exhibition based around the history and archaeology of the areas surrounding the village of Mleiha. The multi-phase eco-tourism development is intended in the future to comprise accommodation, a campsite, and an astronomical observatory, with a total investment of some AED 250 million. It will also include the development of a 450 km desert park. The center is developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).

Built around a preserved Umm Al Nar era tomb, the center details the excavations and discoveries made over the past 40 years at Mleiha and surrounding areas including Al Thuqeibah, Jebel Faya, Al Madam and Jebel Buhais, particularly the important Faya North East find, which provides evidence that 'anatomically modern humans' were in the Mleiha area between 130,000 and 120,000 years ago. These finds point to the spread of humanity from Africa across the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf region, and onward to populate the world through Iran, India, Europe, and Asia.

Mleiha is home to a number of significant sites, including Bronze Age tombs and pre-Islamic forts. A wealth of fascinating artifacts, from camel skeletons to pottery and iron tools, have been discovered here, with many on display in the outstanding Mleiha Archaeological Centre. It offers an exciting range of tours and activities. Explore the archaeological sites like Fossil Rock', or Jebel Mleiha or opt for activities such as trekking to Camel Rock, desert cycling or 4WD tours, dune buggy rides and even paragliding.

Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM from Saturday -Wednesday & 9 PM - 9 PM from Thursday - Friday

Entry: AED. 25 for Adults & AED. 15 for Children (3-12 Years) & AED. 55 for Family (2 Adults & 3 Kids), AED. 50 for Desert Safari, AED. 50 for Cycling, AED. 125 for Dune Buggy, & AED. 75 for Horseback Ride