This is Mleiha National Park – a sanctuary where history, nature, and adventure entwine in the desert sands.
Mleiha is a living and breathing storybook that spans the pages of stone, bronze, iron, and pre-Islamic ages. Among its arid dunes lie ancient tombs such as the Umm an-Nar, remnants of prehistoric tools, and whispers from the first inhabitants of this land as early hominids traversed for the first time outside of Africa.
The park, developed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), offers several adventures.“To visit Mleiha is to walk through the pages of time itself, a journey into humanity's earliest chapters, where you feel the weight and wonder of 200,000 years in the palm of your hand,” noted Shurooq.
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Here you can:
● Visit the archaeological centre and join guided tours to see ancient artefacts and stories of human history.
● Explore wildlife and nature – see species like the endangered sand gazelles while learning about desert conservation efforts.
● Experience adventure through buggy self-drives, 4x4 activities, sand surfing, and skydiving, offering unmatched views of the desert landscape.
● Embark on Jebel Buhais and ArchaeoMOG tours for an in-depth look at historic landscapes, ancient forts, and archaeological sites.
● Enjoy Mleiha Glamping, horseback riding, and overnight stargazing tours to connect with nature and history.
● Relax at the Moon Retreat, Al Faya Retreat, and traditional sunset lounges, blending luxury hospitality with breathtaking scenery.
At Mleiha, adventure-seekers can follow the trails of ancient travellers. They can take a 4x4 ride passing through the ancient caravans that traversed the historic 'Silk Road' trade routes. Or, they can take a hike among the fossil-strewn rocks. They can also soar above the desert in 'Sky Adventures' paragliders.
Horseback riding and buggy self-drive adventure are also available for those who want to experience the desert landscape.
Meanwhile, the Jebel Buhais Tour provides visitors a guided tour where they can explore historic landscapes that dates back 2,000 years, and discover the iconic Bronze Age tombs.
And as the day turns into dusk, there are 'sunset lounges' that offer traditional Arabian refreshments and specially prepared BBQ. The tents within Mleiha Glamping also offer luxurious comforts amid the vastness of the desert dunes.
Shurooq said:“Mleiha National Park is an ode to what's possible when heritage, nature, and adventure are allowed to dance together, creating an immersive experience that transcends time.
“To tread here is to find oneself in the midst of a narrative that celebrates both the echoes of our ancestors and the thrill of carving new paths under the same sun and stars that watched over them.”