If you are interested in history, tradition, and culture, Sharjah is a must-visit place. Well-known as the UAE’s cultural capital, the emirate is home to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre.
In the deserts of Sharjah, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre is a UNESCO-nominated World Heritage Site where visitors can experience a journey with time. This destination not only showcases the rich tapestry of Emirati history but also offers adventures, escapes, and many more.
With ongoing programs, Mleiha ensures that every visit shows something new and exciting. Here is what you should know about Sharjah Mleiha Centre:
History
Souks, palaces and museums – you can explore all in the cultural emirate of Sharjah. Here are what historical things and artefacts you can discover at Mleiha Centre.
Various Ages
A visit to the Mlieha Archaeological Centre helps one step back in time. This is one of the museums in Sharjah where you can learn some important information about the settlers in the regions and their age’s advantages during:
- The Palaeolithic Period
- The Neolithic Period
- The Bronze Period
- The Iron Period
- The Pre-Islamic Period
- The Islamic Period
- The Modern Period
Archaeological Sites
Here are the names of different Archaeological sites at Mleiha Centre:
- Umm an-Nar Tomb
- Jebel Faya
- Mleiha Fort
Future Developments
The Mleiha Archaeological is working on the Eco-Tourism Project. They are also aiming to create sustainable development at the Mleiha site in future to promote ecological and archaeological preservation for future generations.
Activities to do in Mleiha
While there are multiple things to do in Sharjah, you can enjoy the following activities at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre.
Dining at Mleiha Cafe
After the whole adventure and memorable visit to Sharjah’s Mleiha Centre, visitors can relax and have delicious food at Mleiha Cafe. While we all know some best restaurants in Sharjah, the cafe at Mleiha is no less.
You choose either to relax on the open terrace or take a seat by the panoramic window. Additionally, enjoy historical complex views or even pick a book from the shelves in the Mleiha reading cove when you are dining at the cafe.
- Timings: Sunday to Wednesday: 09:00 am to 06:30 pm | Thursday to Saturday: 09:00 am to 06:30 pm
Horseback Riding Tours
Listed below are different packages of Horseback Riding at Mleiha Centre:
Desert Hacks (First-Time, Intermediate or Experienced Riders)
- Charges: AED 140 per person
- Charges for Private Tour: AED 180 per person
- Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
- Suitable Age: 11 years and above (Guardian consent required for ages 11-18)
- Suitable Weight: Maximum 90 kg
Training Course
- Charges: AED 1,000 per person (10 Sessions)
- Charges for Private Sessions: AED 1,300 per person (10 Sessions)
- Duration: 45 minutes per session
- Suitable Age: 11 years and above (Guardian consent required for ages 11-18)
- Suitable Weight: Maximum 90 kg
Single Training Session
- Charges: AED 150 per person
- Charges for Private Tour: AED 190 per person
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Suitable Age: 11 years and above (Guardian consent required for ages 11-18)
- Suitable Weight: Maximum 90 kg
Arena Ride
- Charges: AED 80 per person
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Suitable Age: 11 years and above (Guardian consent required for ages 11-18)
- Suitable Weight: Maximum 90 kg
Pony Ride
- Charges: AED 40 per session
- Duration: 10 minutes
- Suitable Age: 5 years and above (Guardian consent required)
- Suitable Weight: Maximum 40 kg
- Maximum Height: 1 meter
Adventures
If you are into Sharjah Desert Safari, you will find various activities that satisfy your off-road adventure, such as buggy riding.:
- Individual Centre entry (Adults) – AED 25 per person
- English or Arabic guide (max 5 people) – AED 20 per guide
- Family Centre entry – AED 75 (2 adults and 3 children)
- Child 10 yrs and below Centre entry – AED 15
- Child 5 yrs and below Centre entry – Free
- School group – AED 15 per person
Here are the other adventures that you can experience at Mleiha Centre:
Buggy Self-Drive Adventure
- Price: AED 1300 per 2-seater Dune Buggy | AED 1750 per 4-seater Dune Buggy
- Duration: 1 hour (excluding 10 minutes of briefing time)
ArchaeoMOG Tour
- Price: AED 165 per adult | AED 100 per child (Ages 5-10) | Below 5 years free
- Duration: 2 hours
Jebel Buhais Tour
- Price: AED 150 per adult (Ages 11 and above only, accompanied by a Legal Guardian)
- Duration: 60 minutes trekking
Mleiha Landscapes
- Price SUV: AED 175 per adult | AED 120 per child (Ages 5-10) | Free for below 5 years
- Price Buggy: AED 250 per adult | AED 150 per child (Ages 8-10)
- Duration: 1 hour
Sand Surfer
- Price: AED 225 per adult
- Duration: 2 hours
Archaeological Tour
- Price: AED 190 per adult | AED 105 per child (Ages 5-10) | Below 5 years free | School
- Groups Rate: AED 50 per person per archaeological zone
- Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
Valley of the Caves
- Price: AED 95 per adult | AED 50 per child (Ages 5-10)
- Duration: 1 hour
Escapes
Listed below are the escapes at Mleiha Archaeological Centre:
Sunset Lounge
- Price: AED 85 per adult (Non-Exclusive) | AED 140 per adult (Exclusive)
- Duration: Begins 1 hour before sunset, ends at 11:00 PM
Mount Faya Lounge
- Price: AED 110 per adult (Non-Exclusive) | AED 190 per adult (Exclusive)
- Duration: Flexible as per booking
Sama Lounge
- Price: AED 400 per person
- Duration: Flexible as per booking
Overnight Camp
- Price: AED 300 per adult (Non-Exclusive) | AED 450 per adult (Exclusive)
- Duration: 12 hours (from 7:00 PM)
Exclusive Overnight Sama Lounge Experience
- Price: AED 575 per adult (No children allowed)
- Duration: 12 hours
Stargazing (Non-Exclusive)
- Price: AED 150 per adult | AED 120 per child (Ages 5-10)
- Duration: 1 hour
Stargazing (Exclusive)
- Price: AED 325 per adult | AED 260 per child (Ages 5-10)
- Duration: 1 hour
Mleiha Time Machine
Listed below are the packages of the Mlieha Time Machine:
Fossil Hunt Expedition – Standard
- Price: AED 100 per child (Ages 3-15) | AED 75 per adult (Ages 16 and above)
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Recommendation: Ideal for families with children aged 5 and above.
Fossil Hunt Expedition – Premium Package
- Price: AED 135 per child (Ages 3-15) | AED 100 per adult (Ages 16 and above)
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
- Recommendation: Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Flora and Fauna Workshop
- Price: AED 100 per child (Ages 3-15) | AED 75 per adult (Ages 16 and above)
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Recommendation: Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Sounds of the Past
- Price: AED 135 per child (Ages 3-15) | AED 100 per adult (Ages 16 and above)
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
- Recommendation: Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Space Camp
- Price: AED 175 per person | Minimum booking of 2 guests
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Recommendation: Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Standard Full Package
- Price: AED 200 per person
- Recommendation: Perfect for schools, families, and group tours.
Return Customer Offer
If you are visiting Mleiha Centre again for any adventure tours and escapes, you can 20% discount by providing your email address or Mobile Number and the name under which the booking was made at the time of re-booking.
Remember: The person under whose name the booking was made at Mleiha Centre must be present on the day to avail of the discount for a maximum of 5 people in the group.
Venue for Corporate and Groups
Mleiha can be booked for private events perfect for corporate and family gatherings, while providing freedom for customising events. They can help you to organise:
- Birthday parties
- Anniversaries
- Product Launches
- Staff Gatherings
- Team Buildings
Previously Maleiha had organised events such as NISSAN Playground of Legends, The Spartan Race, Sharjah FDI Forum, The Colour Run, and many more. Well, there are two venues available for events:
Fenced Area Venue
- It is suitable for up to 1500 guests.
- Ambulance services are available on the event day.
- Police services are available on the event day.
- A single point of contact is used for seamless coordination.
Open Area Venue
- It is an open venue that can accommodate 10,000+ guests perfectly.
- Ambulance services are available on the event day.
- Police services are available on the event day.
- A single point of contact is used for seamless coordination.
Additional services such as catering, entertainment, and team-building exercises (Treasure Hunt, Minefield Challenge) are available at extra cost for both venues. Here are the charges and duration of some entertainment services:
- Tanoura Dancer: AED 1600 per show (Duration: 10 to 15 minutes)
- Fire Dancer: AED 1700 per show (Duration: 30 minutes)
- Falcon Show: AED 1850 per show (Duration: 60 minutes, inclusive of 30-minute falcon flying show and 30-minute briefing)
Address
- Archeological Centre, Al Khatim, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Nearby Locations
- Faya Caves – 3 minutes away
- Al Wadi Caves – 4 minutes away
- Mleiha Fort – 6 minutes away
- Mleiha Desert – 7 minutes away
- Al Ruwaidhah West Mosque – 7 minutes away
- Camel Rock – 9 minutes away
- XQuarry Adventure Park – 13 minutes away
- Abandoned House and Cave – 11 minutes
- Fossil Rock – 11 minutes away
Contact Info
Phone Number: +971 6 802 1111
Email: Mleihamanagement@discovermleiha.ae
Operational Hours
- Sunday to Wednesday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm
FAQs
Mleiha is a UNESCO-nominated World Heritage Site in the Central Region of Sharjah and it is known as home to significant sites like Bronze Age tombs and pre-Islamic forts.
Yes, Mleiha offers a family-friendly environment with engaging activities and educational knowledge for visitors of all ages.
To sum up, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a go-to place to discover the secrets of ancient civilisations and Emirati hospitality. Moreover, you can find some summer indoor places to visit in Sharjah. For outdoor activities, Sharjah Safari Park and Sharjah Desert Park are must-visit places in the emirate.