The complete guide to Mleiha Archaeological Centre
Each of the vibrant Emirati cities in the UAE offers fun-filled activities and adventures for all. For all the history and archaeology buffs, heritage sites in Sharjah offer exciting activities and adventures for all ages. Ancient history enthusiasts would enjoy a visit to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre Sharjah, to learn more about the early history of the region including the first human arrivals in modern-day Sharjah.
If you are planning a day trip to this historic site with the family, here is the complete guide to Mleiha Archaeological Centre with details on its most popular activities and attractions.
The complete guide to Mleiha, Things to Do, Destination Highlights and Much More!
MyBayut’s Mleiha guide will surely tempt you to take a journey back in time. If you are planning a trip to Mleiha, make sure to spend some time to explore the exhibits and learn about ancient life in the area. Here’s a list of the most popular aspects of the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, which is the main attraction of the area. There is also an upcoming Mleiha Desert Resort, a multi-million dollar eco-tourism project, complete with adventure trails, historic attractions and more.
Explore the Archaeological Relics Predating Islam
One of the most interesting facts you learn here is that human arrival in modern-day UAE began over 130,000 years ago. Today, Mleiha Archaeological Centre has numerous archaeological sites with ancient relics from the Bronze Age.
Your first stop in this ancient history expedition is going to be The Mleiha Fort, a 2000-year-old structure that once served as a symbol of might, and dates back to the late pre-Islamic period. The Palace Mleiha is also of special interest, which is a monumental multi-roomed building with plastered flooring.
Another attraction is the impressive archaeological tomb of Mleiha called the Umm an-Nar Tomb. The Umm an-Nar Tomb is one of the several tombs in the main Burial Chambers in the Mleiha area. This magnificent tomb was constructed around 2300 BCE. The place offers visitors an opportunity to encounter ruins from the Paleolithic period in Sharjah and learn about the ancient history of the UAE.
The Fossil Hunt Expedition
The fossil hunt expedition is the best way to learn about the traditions, culture and history of Mleiha. The excursion comes in two packages. In the standard package, you can learn to make fossil casts by using centuries-old fossil.
Those who want to experience a little more than making fossil casts can opt for the premium package. It includes a long walk around the ancient sea beds where you can explore the final resting place of the majestic sea creatures from that time.
The expedition packages include a comprehensive tour of the Mleiha museum Sharjah, which is home to several artefacts from thousands of years ago.
Standard Package Itinerary: Museum entry, fossil moulding workshop and introduction to different fossils.
- Ticket Prices: AED 15 (child), AED 25 (adult)
- Duration: 1 hour
Premium Package Itinerary: Museum entry, fossil moulding workshop and introduction to different fossils and field visit with fossil hunting.
- Ticket Prices: AED 25 (child), AED 40 (adult)
- Duration: 2 hours
Mleiha Trekking Adventure
A review of Mleiha Archaeological Centre would be incomplete without a list of activities and adventures to try in the historic site.
Mleiha desert safari
Mleiha desert safari is an excellent way to explore this ancient desert. The visitors can trek towards the majestic Faya Caves with an experienced guide. While enjoying a desert trek, you can also witness the flora and fauna of Sharjah. The trail has several other archaeological sites and caves depicting how the previous civilisation used to live before us. The trekking guide will explain the significance of each place including caves, buildings and burial sites.
- Tickets (Trekking only): AED 50 per person
Mleiha Camping Overnight
The Mlieha overnight camping and Sunset Lodge adventure at the Mt. Faya Mleiha Campsite is one of the most interesting activities to try here. The camping trip includes an excursion across the resort and a couple of other funs things. Your trip will start with a short dune ride, followed by a small hike to the camps.
There is no shortage of refreshments at the campsite. You can indulge in the unique taste of Gahwa, made from a delicious blend of Arabic coffee and strong milk tea. You can also energise yourself with a hot cup of Karak (flavoured tea) or assorted cold drinks. The desert sky is perfect for star-gazing after a scrumptious BBQ meal with veg and non-veg side dishes.
- Tickets: AED 350 per person (Adults), AED 250 (Child 5-12 years)
- Duration: 12 hours
Add-on (Charged separately):
- Desert Cycling: AED 50 per person
- Dune Buggy Adventure: AED 125 per person
- Horseback Riding: AED 75 per person
- Stargazing: AED75 per person
Camel Rock Tours & Fossil Rock Adventures
No guide to Mleiha Archaeological Centre is complete without information about the natural rock formations and fossils. Mleiha desert park Sharjah is home to luxurious Mleiha Fossil Rock Lodge. Surrounded by the amazing landscapes of Mleiha, it is a beautiful resort that gives visitors a feel of history.
A visit to this place will lead you to the region’s most striking natural beauty spots such as the Fossil Rock and Camel Rock. This is an ideal spot for eco-tourists and the stunning landscapes of this region are among the reasons why Mleiha is one of the best places to visit in Sharjah.
Fossil Rock is a magnificent natural rock formation packed with different marine fossils. Both Camel Rock and Fossil Rock tour packages come in the various price ranges, depending on the number of activities chosen.
- Tickets: Mleiha Adventure Package costs AED 465 per person (Exclusive), AED 415 (non-exclusive)
- Duration: 6 hours
The Archaeology Tour
The Mlieha Archaeology tour also called the ArchaeoMOG tour, is a newly added desert adventure for the visitors. A specially designed Unimog truck takes visitors through different places in the surrounding area. The tour starts from the museum after which it takes a trip across the Mleiha stables and Gazelle enclosures. The 2-hour long adventure ends with a visit to the Valley of the Caves. Winding through the ancient corridors in a Unimog is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed.
- Tickets: AED 90 per person
- Duration: 2-hours
Desert Safari Meliha
The Mleiha 4WD tour is another activity arranged to let visitors learn about the various geological features of this majestic land. The vehicle takes you to the desert dunes to visit the nearby Camel Rock and Fossil Rock formation. You can also climb up the Fossil Rock and enjoy the picturesque views of the desert and wildlife. During the trip to the animal reserve, you’ll find Arabian Oryx, mountain deer, and gazelle.
Mleiha ranks high among the list of archaeological sites in UAE, due to the number of adventures and activities it offers for people of all age groups.
- Tickets: AED 165 per
- Duration: 1-hour
Polaris Buggy Dune Adventures
Looking for more adventure after a comprehensive desert safari in a 4WD? The Polaris buggy adventure is designed for thrill-seekers who can’t get enough of the desert dunes.
There are two packages for visitors. The Extreme Fossil Climb tour takes about an hour to complete. This tour takes tourists to the very top of the Fossil Rock to enjoy spectacular views of the expansive desert. Another package is the Extreme Tour, which is a two-hour trip and will also take the visitors to Mleiha Desert and Faya Dunes.
Extreme Fossil Climb
- Tickets: AED 175 per person
- Duration: 1-hour
The Extreme Tour
- Tickets: AED 300 per person
- Duration: 2-hours
Fatboy Desert Biking Mleiha
Visitors also take all-terrain FatBoy bikes in Mleiha Archaeological Centre, to ride across the desert, valleys, and the countless archaeological sites. This is one of the most fun and adventurous ways to explore the area. The FatBoy bikes, designed with extra-wide tyres can take you anywhere in the desert. An experienced guide will suggest the best routes to take, so you can make the most out of your biking adventure across the Mleiha desert resort.
Mleiha Horseback Riding Tour
For all the horse riding lovers, Mleiha Archaeological Centre is the place to be! Exploring the history of the place on a horseback is what people visiting Mleiha Archaeological Centre look forward to. There are a number of horseback riding tours to choose from, depending on your riding expertise.
For First Timers
Your tour will start with comprehensive introductory training on how to handle and ride your horse. The First Time Rider Tours include breath-taking views of the Faya Mountains Sharjah. The rider passes through the soft dunes and desert pathways under the guidance of an experienced rider and guide. The tour ends on a luxury gazebo at stables, where the rider enjoys the mystical landscape while sipping on any of the hot or cold beverage, given on the menu.
- Tickets: AED 90 per person
- Private Tour: AED 135 per person (suitable for children 10 years old and above)
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
Intermediate Riders
If you have basic horse riding knowledge, you can opt for the Intermediate Rider’s Tour. You can explore the fossil formations in Mleiha on horseback, accompanied by the tour guides. At the end of the adventure, you’ll be served cold drinks and hot beverages.
- Tickets: AED 90 per person
- Private Tour: AED 135 per person (suitable for children 10 years old and above)
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
Experienced Riders
If you are a pro, the Experienced Riders Tour is the best choice for you! Your extensive horseback adventure will begin from the museum. After the warm-up, you can set off on horseback and end the journey with the amazing sunset view at the gazebo. This tour offers a visit to Mlieha outback and several other attractions spread across the resort.
- Tickets: AED 90 per person
- Private Tour: AED 135 per person (suitable for children 10 years old and above)
- Duration: 60-90 minutes
The Mleiha Archaeological Centre Desert Bash
Mleiha Desert Bash can also be called an ultimate dune bashing adventure. The participants need to bring their own sleeping bags, tents, and other accessories. Pre-Arrival Registration for participation in this marathon is mandatory. You can pick from the available packages, according to your physical fitness and abilities.
The Mlieha Café
The menu at Mleiha Archaeological Centr cafe has some great choices in coffee, Karak, snacks, juices and soft drinks. The visitors can enjoy views of the Fossil Rock, Mlieha Tomb and Camel Rock while sipping a cup of coffee.
Café Timings
- Saturday – Wednesday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Thursday – Friday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Contact: +971-50-210-3827
HOW TO GET THERE?
Mleiha Archaeological Centre is located at the south of Al Dhaid, near Faya Mountains. if you are residing in rental villas in Al Khawaneej, near Sharjah, you only need to take a 36-minute drive up the Mleiha road to explore this historical place. Similarly, residents of rental apartments in Silicon Oasis Dubai are also just 45 minutes away from the place.
Mleiha Archaeological Centre entry fee details are provided below:
Tickets
- Individual centre entry: AED 25 per person (Adults)
- Individual entry Children (12 years old and below): AED 15 (per child)
- Children under three: Free Entry
- Family centre entry: AED 55 (for 2 adults and 3 children)
- Special School group discount: AED 10 per person
These discoveries at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre will tell you why over 2000 years ago people decided to settle in this magnificent region. Summing up the complete guide to Mleiha, it can be said that these sites are equally interesting for eco-tourists, adventure seekers and history lovers, where they can learn about the real Emirati culture.
If you love exploring such historic sites in the UAE, you should also plan a visit to the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi or explore the museums in Dubai.
