Mleiha Archaeological Center – The Complete Guide

Mleiha Archaeological center is home to several important archaeological monuments. In 2016, Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurates the Mleiha Archaeological Center. It is a museum dedicates to archaeology as well as the history of the Mleiha hamlet and its environs. Are you an ancient history buff? Cause, at the Mleiha Archaeological Center in Sharjah, history lovers have a great time. As they can discover more about the early history, heritage including the advent of the first humans in modern-day Sharjah.

If you’re taking the family on a day trip to this historic site, here’s a detailed guide to Mleiha Archaeological Center, with everything you need.

Mleiha Archaeological Center – History

This center has pre-Islamic forts as well as Bronze Age tombs. Many amazing relics have been uncovered here, ranging from camel skeletons to pottery and iron tools, with many on exhibit in the magnificent Mleiha Archaeological Center. Explore archaeological sites such as Fossil Rock’ and Jebel Mleiha, or participate in sports such as Camel Rock trekking, desert cycling or 4WD trips, dune buggy rides, as well as even paragliding. With a total expenditure of almost AED 250 million, the multi-phase eco-tourism complex will eventually include hotels, a campsite, as well as a science astronomical observatory. Soon, this magical place is going to include the creation of a 450-kilometer-long desert park. The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority has the authority of building the center (Shurooq).

The center is built around the Umm Al Nar era tomb, a preserved place. It details the discovery and excavations made at Mleiha and surrounding areas such as Jebel Faya, Al Thuqeibah, Jebel Buhais, and Al Madam over the past 40 years. Particularly the Faya North East records ‘anatomically modern humans. In the Mleiha area, people lived between 130,000 and 120,000 years ago. Isn’t it so historic? These discoveries attest to the spread of mankind from Africa to the Persian Gulf region via the Red Sea, and then on to Iran, India, Europe, and other Asia countries.

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Mleiha Archaeological Center – Location

Mleiha is a prehistoric site in the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The Mleiha Archaeological Center locates near the Faya Mountains, south of Al Dhaid. If you live in a rental villa in Al Khawaneej, near Sharjah, you may visit this historical site by driving up the Mleiha road for 36 minutes. Similarly, residents of Silicon Oasis Dubai rental apartments are only 45 minutes away from the location. It is 56 km away from Sharjah International Airport and 69 km distance from Dubai International Airport. A little bit far from the Heritage area. 

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Mleiha Archaeological Center – Opening Hours and Entry Fees

Although, you have detail information for this, let’s take an overlook:

Timings:

• Saturday through Wednesday: 9 AM to 7 PM
• Thursday and Friday: 9 PM to 9 PM

The following are the entry fees for the Mleiha Archaeological Center:

Entry Fees:

• Adults: AED 25 per person
• Kids (below 13 years old): AED 15 (per child)
• Children under three: Free Entry
• Family entry: AED 55 (for 2 adults and 3 children)
• Schools: AED 10 per person
• Desert Safari: AED 50
• Dune Buggy: AED 125
• Cycling: AED 50
• Horseback Rise: AED 75

 

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Mleiha Archaeological Center – 12 Things To Do

This article will undoubtedly entice you to travel back in time. If you’re visiting Mleiha, make sure to take some time to look around the exhibits and learn about the area’s rich history. Here’s a rundown of the most popular features of the Mleiha Archaeological Center, the area’s principal attraction.

1. Archaeological Relics

First, one of the most fascinating facts you’ll learn is that humans first arrived in the UAE over 130,000 years ago. The Mleiha Archaeological Center now comprises a number of archaeological sites with the Bronze Age remain. The Mleiha Fort, a 2000-year-old monument that formerly functioned as a symbol of might and dates back to the late pre-Islamic period, will be your first stop on your ancient history adventure. The Palace Mleiha, a massive multi-roomed edifice with plastered flooring, is also worth seeing.

The Umm an-Nar Tomb, a magnificent archaeological tomb in Mleiha, is another draw. The Umm an-Nar Tomb is one of several tombs in the Mleiha area’s main Burial Chambers. Around 2300 BCE, this exquisite tomb was built. The site provides tourists with the opportunity to see Paleolithic ruins in Sharjah as well as learn about the UAE’s ancient history.

2. Mleiha ArchaeoMOG Trip

Second, the ArchaeoMOG trip, also known as the Mleiha Archaeology tour, is a new desert excursion for travelers. Visitors are taken on a tour of the surrounding area in a specially adapted Unimog vehicle. The journey begins at the museum and continues via the Mleiha stables and Gazelle enclosures. A visit to the Valley of the Caves concludes the 2-hour tour. A Unimog ride through the ancient passageways is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure not to be missed. 

• Fees: AED 90 per person
• Total Time: 2 hours

3. Fossil Hunts

Third, the best way to learn about Mleiha’s traditions, arts, culture, and history is to go on a fossil hunt. There are two options for the excursion. You can learn to manufacture fossil casts using centuries-old fossils in the basic package. The premium bundle is for those who desire a little more than just making fossil casts. It involves a long stroll across the old sea beds, where you may learn about the amazing sea creatures that formerly lived there. A full tour of the Mleiha museum in Sharjah, which has various items dating back thousands of years, is included in the excursion packages.

Classic Package: Museum entry, primer to different fossils, and fossil molding workshop.

• Fees: AED 15 (per child), AED 25 (per adult)
• Total Time: 1 hour

Premium Package: Museum entry, outline to different fossils, fossil molding workshop, and field calls with fossil chasing.

• Fees: AED 25 (per child), AED 40 (per adult)
• Total Time: 2 hours

4. Mleiha Desert Safari

Then, the desert safari in Mleiha is a fantastic way to learn about this ancient desert. Visitors can join an expert guide on a journey to the magnificent Faya Caves. You can see Sharjah’s flora and animals while on a desert excursion. There are also additional archaeological monuments and caves along the walk that demonstrate how prior civilizations lived before us. The significance of each location, including caverns, buildings, and burial places, will be explained by the trekking guide.

• Fees (Trekking only): AED 50 per person

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5. Mleiha FatBoy Desert Biking

Next, in Mleiha Archaeological Center, visitors can also rent all-terrain FatBoy bikes to ride around the desert, valleys, and many archaeological foundations. This is one of the most exciting and exciting ways to see the area. FatBoy bikes, which have extra-wide tires, can transport you anywhere in the desert. An expert guide will recommend the finest routes to go so that you can get the most out of your riding excursion through the Mleiha desert resort. 

6. Mleiha Desert Bash

Then, Mleiha Desert Bash is also known as the greatest dune bashing experience. Participants must provide their own sleeping bags, tents, and other necessary equipment. Pre-registration is required for participation in this marathon. You can choose from a variety of packages based on your physical condition and talents.

7. Mleiha Camping Overnight

One of the most exciting activities to undertake here is the Mleiha overnight camping and Sunset Lodge excursion at the Mt. Faya Mleiha Campsite. The camping trip includes a tour of the resort as well as a few additional activities. Your adventure will begin with a short dune ride and end with a short stroll to the campers. There are plenty of refreshments available at the campsite. Gahwa is a tasty blend of Arabic coffee and strong milk tea that has a distinct flavor. You can also re-energize with a hot cup of Karak (flavored tea) or a variety of chilled beverages. After a delicious BBQ supper with veg and non-veg side dishes, the desert sky is ideal for stargazing.

• Fees: AED 350 per person (Adults), AED 250 (Child 5-12 years)
• Total Time: 12 hours

Add-on (Charged separately per person): 

• Desert Cycling: AED 50
• Dune Buggy Adventure: AED 125
• Horseback Riding: AED 75
• Stargazing: AED 75

8. Camel Rock Tours and Fossil Rock Adventure

Without information about natural rock formations and fossils, no guide to Mleiha Archaeological Center is complete. Mleiha Fossil Rock Lodge is located in Sharjah’s Mleiha Desert Park. It’s a magnificent resort surrounded by Mleiha’s spectacular surroundings that give tourists a sense of history. This location will lead you to some of the region’s most stunning natural beauty areas, including Fossil Rock and Camel Rock. The breathtaking sceneries of this region are just one of the reasons why Mleiha is one of the top destinations to visit in Sharjah for eco-tourists. Fossil Rock is a beautiful natural rock structure with a variety of marine fossils. Camel Rock and Camel Rock

• Fees: Exclusive package is AED 465 per person and the Non-exclusive is AED 415.
• Total Time: 6 hours

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9. Mleiha 4WD Tour

Next, another activity organized for guests to learn about the many geological aspects of this magnificent region is the Mleiha 4WD tour. The truck transports you to the desert dunes, where you can see Camel Rock and Fossil Rock. You can also hike to the top of Fossil Rock for spectacular views of the desert and wildlife. You’ll see Arabian Oryx, mountain deer, and gazelle on your way to the animal reserve.

Mleiha is one of the most popular archaeological sites in the UAE, thanks to the variety of adventures and activities available to visitors of all ages.

• Fees: AED 165 
• Total Time: 1 hour

10. Polaris Buggy Dune Adventures

Then, after a thorough desert tour in a 4WD, you’re looking for a little more adventure. The Polaris buggy trip is for adrenaline junkies who can’t get enough of desert dunes. Visitors can choose between two packages. It takes around an hour to finish the Extreme Fossil Climb tour. This excursion brings visitors to the very top of Fossil Rock, where they may take in breath-taking views of the surrounding desert. The Extreme Tour, a two-hour journey that also includes visits to Mleiha Desert and Faya Dunes, is another option.

Fossil Climb Tour

• Fees: AED 175 
• Total Time: 1 hour

The Extreme Tour 

• Fees: AED 300
• Total Time: 2 hours

11. Mleiha Horseback Riding Tour

Mleiha Archaeological Center is the place to be for horseback riders! People who visit Mleiha Archaeological Center look forward to riding about on horseback and learning about the history of the area. Depending on your riding experience, there are a variety of horseback riding tours to choose from.

For First-Time Visitors

Your tour will begin with thorough instruction on how to properly handle and ride your horse. The Faya Mountains Sharjah is featured prominently on the First Time Rider Tours. The rider is guided by an expert rider and guides through the gentle dunes and desert trails. The journey concludes in a luxury gazebo at the stables, where the rider can relax and enjoy the wonderful labyrinth. 

• Fees: AED 90 per person
• Private Trip: AED 135 per person
• Total Time: 45-60 minutes

For intermediate Riders

Lastly, if you already know how to ride a horse, the Intermediate Rider’s Tour is for you. The tour guides will accompany you on horseback as you explore the fossil formations at Mleiha. You’ll be provided cold as well as hot beverages at the conclusion of the trip.

• Fees: AED 90 per person
• Private Trip: AED 135 per person
• Total Time: 45-60 minutes

For experienced Riders

If you’re a seasoned rider, the Experienced Riders Tour is the way to go! The museum will be the starting point for your extensive horseback adventure. After a brief warm-up, you can mount your horse as well as a ride to the gazebo for a spectacular sunset view. This tour includes a trip to the Mleiha desert as well as other sites across the resort.

• Fees: AED 90 per person
• Private Trip: AED 135 per person
• Total Time: 60-90 minutes

12. Mleiha Cafe

Coffee, Karak, snacks, juices, as well as soft drinks, are all available on the menu of Mleiha Archaeological Center café. While having a cup of coffee, guests can take in views of Fossil Rock, Mleiha Tomb, and Camel Rock.

Café Timings

• All Days: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
• Contact: +971-50-210-3827

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