Sharjah is a popular tourist destination because of its gorgeous beaches and finest parks. But that is not it! The city boasts some top cultural sites, from museums to souks. If you are an explorer, add Mleiha and Fossil Rock in Sharjah to your tour itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
This natural site allows visitors to learn about the Bedouin lifestyle and cultural history. From camping under the stars to hiking there is much to explore here. Ready to fascinate yourself with its picturesque beauty? Explore what this destination has to offer.
- Mleiha – A Quick Overview
- Fossil Rock at Mleiha
- Things to Do at Mleiha and Fossil Rock
- Other Activities at Mleiha
- FAQs
Mleiha – A Quick Overview
Mleiha, by UNESCO, is an archaeological world heritage site and a top tourist attraction located in central Sharjah. Overlooking the desert and showcasing the remains of ancient civilisations, Mleiha takes you back in time. Discover the Bedouin lifestyle through a combination of culture, nature and history here.
How to Get Here From Dubai
Mleiha is located close to Dubai, a 50-minute drive from Downtown Dubai. People from Dubai can easily reach Mleiha by E102 (Sharjah-Kalba Road) and E611 (Emirates Road).
You can rent a car in Dubai or use your vehicle to get here. A 4×4 vehicle is ideal for travelling through the Mleiha desert and experiencing the mesmerising natural beauty.
Fossil Rock at Mleiha
A popular tourist site at Mleiha is the Fossil Rocks which date back 80 million years, when much of the Middle East was underwater. These are located on the tallest peaks and among the orange dunes and have fossil imprints on them.
Over time, when the water dried up forming a desert, many sea creatures solidified on the rocks. These fossil imprints can be seen by pouring some water over the rocks.
Things to Do at Mleiha and Fossil Rock
Explore the early history, immerse yourself in the natural landscapes, and try some thrilling desert activities in Mleiha. Whether you are a thrill seeker, a tranquillity lover, or an explorer, this natural site has you covered. Here are the top experiences at Mleiha and Fossil Rock Sharjah:
1. Fossil Rock Hike
When visiting Mleiha, explore ancient history through a hike to the fossil rocks. Hike to the top of the mountain; believe us the views are surreal. Carry essentials such as water and start your hike from the bottom. Follow the trail to reach the summit. Here are the details of the fossil rock hike:
- Distance: 8 km (4 km per side)
- Elevation Gain: 300 metres
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- Ticket Price: Free
- Best Time For Hiking: In winter months from October to March
Hiking Tips
Here are some essential tips to follow for a safe and comfortable hiking experience:
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Carry plenty of water and snacks.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots.
- Wear sunblock and hats to save yourself from the heat.
- Carry a medical kit with basic medicines and ointments.
2. Off-Roading
Let the adrenaline rush in you with an off-road exploration at Fossil Rock in Sharjah Emirate. Here are two adventures that you cannot miss at Mleiha:
Buggy Self-Drive Adventure
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and the famous landmarks, Camel Rock and Fossil Rock, on a Dune Buggy. Here are the details:
- Duration: 1 hour
- Ticket Price:
- Self-Drive 2-Seater Dune Buggy: AED 1300
- Self-Drive 4-Seater Dune Buggy: AED 1750
- Limitations:
- Drivers must be 21 or above and should have a valid driving licence
- Passengers must be 10 or above with a minimum height of 140 cm
- Booking Time: Booking starts at 09:30 am and ends one hour before sunset
Sand Surfer
Sand Surfer is an exploration of fossil rock and camel rock on an SUV with sandboarding and dune bashing. A heart-pounding thrill awaits you at the Mleiha Desert; here are the details:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Ticket Price: AED 225 per adult
- Limitations: Minimum 13 years old
3. Savour Delicious Snacks at the Mleiha Café
Tantalise your taste buds with delicious Bedouin-inspired drinks and snacks at the Mleiha Café. The welcoming ambience and staff will make you fall in love with the cafe at first sight. Buy a nice cup of coffee and relax in nature among the mountains. The cafe offers a terrace dining option where you can click some nice pictures of the beautiful landscapes.
Timings
- 09:30 am to 06:30 pm (Sunday to Wednesday)
- 09:00 am to 08:30 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
Other Activities at Mleiha
Mleiha has a lot of activities for tourists such as exploring prehistoric times and stargazing. Whether you love quiet desert camping or adventurous dune bashing, this destination has something for every taste. Here are some must-try activities at Mleiha:
- Overnight camping
- Glamping
- Dune bashing
- Exploring prehistoric times at the Mleiha Archeological Centre
- Horse riding
- ArchaeoMOG tour
- Jebel Buhais tour
- Mleiha escapes
- Mleiha time machine
FAQs
Fossil rock in Sharjah is found in the Mleiha mountains. These rocks have ancient marine fossil imprints solidified over time on them.
Fossil rock hike extends 8 km out and back. It is considered a moderately difficult hike for travellers.
Yes, Fossil Rock in Sharjah is a beautiful natural site for overnight camping. Whether you prefer glamping or desert camping in Dubai, this is a nice spot.
Mleiha Archaeological Centre is an exhibition space showcasing six historical ages: palaeolithic, neolithic, bronze, iron, pre-Islamic, Islamic and modern. History lovers can learn about the Bedouin culture here and partake in exciting adventures.
Mleiha and Fossil Rock in Sharjah offer exciting adventures for all. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends, pack essentials, and escape to this natural site to experience a blend of culture, history, and beauty.
Additionally, if you are travelling to Sharjah from Dubai, there are different ways to reach the city, such as bus, taxi, and car rentals.
For a comfortable stay, consider some of the top hotels in Sharjah such as Doubletree by Hilton and Hotel 72.
