The 12 Best Things to do in Mleiha – The UAE’s Archaeological Hub

The United Arab Emirates were once home to some of the world’s earliest humans. These humans left their mark on the landscape long before the construction of super highways and mega skyscrapers, and evidence of their existence is still found throughout the country. There is no better place to explore this history than Mleiha, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the unofficial archaeological capital of the UAE. Here are the 12 best things to do in Mleiha for all types of travelers.

Why Visit Mleiha?

Mleiha (also written as Maleha or Mileiha) is still a little off-the-beaten path for both local and foreign tourists, making it the perfect spot to escape the city life for a day and peacefully enjoy the striking desert landscapes. Despite its relatively small size, it packs a number of activities for the outdoor adventurer and history buff alike.

Mleiha’s Historical Significance

In 2018, Mleiha was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its numerous significant archaeological findings. These archeological sites provide a look into some of the world’s earliest humans, dating back to the Paleolithic Period. Stone tools and grave sites have been uncovered dating back millions of years, and archeologists continue to uncover a number of artifacts that provide a look into human life in the region spanning millennia. 

A visit to Mleiha presents an important look into the evolution of society in the Arabian peninsula and helps provide an insight into life in the UAE before the construction of the large cities along the coast. From the sprawling farms to the traditional coral-brick buildings, even a drive through Mleiha gives visitors a look at what all of the UAE was not so long ago.

The Perfect Destination for Outdoor Lovers

For those not as archeology-inclined, Mleiha is still one of the most stunning landscapes in the UAE. Fossil-covered rocks ascend from rust-colored dunes, date palm trees emerge from sandy patches, and camels freely wander the landscape. Whether you’re one to get out in nature, or one to just admire it from afar, Mleiha is the perfect destination. 

In recent years, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has been working to build the tourism industry in Mleiha to encourage people to come and learn more about UAE history. The tourism board now offers a number of outdoor activities in Mleiha, from guiding hiking to dune-bashing. Keep reading to learn more about guided tours of Mleiha.

How to Get to Mleiha

Located amongst the rolling dunes in the Emirate of Sharjah, Mleiha is approximately 50 minutes from Dubai city center, 40 minutes from Sharjah city center, and 2 hours from Abu Dhabi city center, making it the perfect day-trip destination regardless of your starting point. 

The town of Mleiha itself is rather small, but has a number of shops, grocery stores, and gas stations. I would recommend having cash on hand if you plan to eat at any of the smaller shops. There are two ATMs in town, one at Dubai Islamic Bank and the other at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.

Transportation Options

By far, the best way to travel to Mleiha is by car. You do not need 4WD to access Mleiha, though it may be recommended if you want to do some of the activities below on your own. Rentalcars.com is my go-to for finding an affordable rental car in the UAE. 

Unfortunately there is no public transportation to Mleiha. You can technically take a taxi, but I would not recommend it. Not only will the trip cost approximately 200 AED ($50 USD) one-way, but the chances of finding a taxi back home in the small town of Mleiha are slim. Your money will be better spent on a rental car or a guided tour. 

Organized Tours to Mleiha

Thanks to Sharjah Tourism’s efforts, it is now easy to find organized tours to a variety of sites in Mleiha. This half-day desert tour from Viator takes visitors to numerous archeological sites and awe-inspiring landscapes, while this desert safari from GetYourGuide combines archeological history with adrenaline-inducing dune bashing and sandboarding. 

Better yet, book a package directly through the Mleiha Archeological Center for activities from guided hikes to archeological sites to horseback riding through the colorful dunes.

The 12 Best Things to do in Mleiha

Planning a trip to Mleiha? Here are the 12 best things to do to experience Mleiha to the fullest. 

1. Hike Fossil Rock (Jebel Mleiha) for unbelievable views

Location: 25.10023, 55.50298 (parking spot for hike)
4×4 Needed: No
Hours: Always open
Cost: Free

The landscapes along the Fossil Rock hike are some of the most extraordinary in the world. The rocky cliffs ascending from the sand are spotted with marine fossils, dating back millions of years to a time when the Arabian peninsula was underwater. The summit of the hike rewards hikers with an unbelievable look at the Mleiha desert, and a birds-eye view of the town below. 

The hike itself is a moderate level, with certain difficult parts where rock scrambling (and even climbing) can be necessary. However, the hike itself is short – with a total distance of about 5 km roundtrip and hiking time of around 2 hours. The Fossil Rock hike is also customizable, with some hikers opting to return right from the summit and others adding to their distance by exploring the plateau at the top. Click here to explore the exact hiking route on Wikiloc. 

I’d recommend going in a group since there are some technical rock scrambles involved and making sure to head back before the sun goes down. As with most hikes in the UAE, the best time to hike is usually between October to March when the weather is cooler. No matter when you hike, don’t forget to bring plenty of water along with you. 

To learn more about hiking Fossil Rock, check out my full in-depth hiking guide below! 

Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Fossil Rock (Coming Soon!)

2. Visit the Mleiha Archaeological Center to learn about the earliest humans

Location: The Mleiha Archeological Center
4×4 Needed: No
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 9AM-7PM, Thursday-Saturday 9AM-9PM
Cost: AED 25 for adults, AED 15 for children 10 years or younger

Long before the UAE became synonymous with luxury, the country was home to pearl divers and fishermen, Bedouin travelers and some of the world’s earliest humans. The Mleiha Archaeological Center takes visitors on a journey through all of the humans that have called the peninsula home during five distinct eras: The Paleolithic Age, the Neolithic Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Pre-Islamic Age. 

Home to one of the largest collections of artifacts from around the UAE, the Mleiha Archeological Center allows visitors to learn about the traditions, rituals, arts, currencies and stories of the country’s oldest inhabitants. From stone tools and jewelry dating back centuries to a deep dive into the importance of camels in Arab culture, the archeological center truly gives visitors an in-depth look into the history of the region. 

Even if museums aren’t your thing, the Mleiha Archaeological Center is worth a visit for its Bronze age Umm Al Nar tomb. This communal stone tomb was constructed around 2,300 BCE and was likely the burial grounds for around 300 people over a span of 200 years. Nestled amongst the striking architecture of the Mleiha Archeological Center, visitors can climb up to the observation deck to get a birds-eye view of the tomb and the surrounding dunes. 

The Mleiha Archeological Center also has a small cafe where visitors can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee after a day in the desert. Don’t forget to walk out the cafe doors and say hello to the oryx antelopes that live in the reserve outside!

Tickets for the Mleiha Archeological can be purchased on arrival. Note that the last ticket sales are made 30 minutes before closing.

3. Hike (or drive!) to the iconic Camel Rock

Location: 25.122790, 55.827469 (exact location on map) 25.112964, 55.833393 (best parking spot)
4×4 Needed: Yes if driving
Hours: Always open
Cost: Free

Mleiha’s iconic camel rock earned its name from its two “humps,” rising out of the desert like the back of a camel. This unique geological feature is one of the most striking landscapes in the UAE, the twisting gray rock facing the Al Faya mountain range in one direction and the rolling orange dunes in the other. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset and admire the views. 

I used to think Camel Rock was only accessible to those with 4WD, but on my most recent trip to Mleiha I discovered it’s actually only a short hike from a road accessible with any 2WD car. The short but steep hike takes you from the Mleiha desert parking spot (linked above) up and over the dune to Camel Rock, about a 1km hike from where you can leave your car. Note that there is absolutely no shade on this hike, bring plenty of water and plan accordingly.

For those that prefer to drive, you can either take your own 4×4 car or sign up for a guided tour like this one from Viator. Driving gives you the opportunity to see more of the striking Mleiha desert, and the other incredible rock formations emerging from the sand. 

However you decide to get there, I recommend visiting in the early morning or late evening if possible. The golden hour reflecting off the dunes is a truly breathtaking view, and fellow photographers know there’s no better time to snap a few photos than when the light is soft and low. Since Camel Rock is located in the inland desert the mid-afternoons tend to spike a few degrees higher than surrounding areas, so a morning/evening visit will also keep you cooler.

Recommended Reading: The Dubai Camel Races: All Your Questions Answered

4. Visit Mleiha’s numerous archaeological sites

Location: Multiple, click here to view all sites on Google Maps
4×4 Needed: No
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 9AM-7PM, Thursday-Saturday 9AM-9PM
Cost: Free

As the unofficial archeological capital of the UAE, Mleiha is home to numerous archeological dig sites – from Paleolithic era cave structures to Pre-Islamic era fortresses. Archeologists in the region have been working tirelessly in recent years to uncover and protect these sites and now invite visitors to come and take a journey through Mleiha’s history for themselves. 

There are multiple dig sites around Mleiha (linked above), though I personally recommend beginning with the Umm Al Nar Tomb at the Mleiha Archeological Center, visiting the dig sites in the adjacent Valley of the Caves, and then finishing with the Pre-Islamic fortress and palace on the western end. This route takes a fairly chronological approach to the dig sites.

My favorite section was definitely the Valley of the Caves, where archeological sites dating back to the Paleolithic era sit nestled amongst the foothills of the Al Faya mountain range. Explore the Water Spring, a former Neolithic settlement resting beside a creek bed, climb up a dune for a bird’s eye view of the Paleolithic era Faya Cave, and wander through the perfectly circular Bronze-age tombs nestled amongst the sand. 

Some of the dig sites have begun the process of repair and reconstruction. One of the most notable of such is the Mleiha fortress, a Pre-Islamic era fortress that was once the administrative center of ancient Mleiha. A violent attack at the end of the 3rd century destroyed the structure, but in recent years archeologists and historians have begun work to restore the building to its original height. 

All of the archeological sites are accessible by 2WD and can be accessed during the same hours as the Mleiha Archeological Center. Every site has information regarding the historical significance, but those seeking a more hands-on experience, this archeology-focused Mleiha trekking experience takes visitors to a remote Iron Age fortress on Jebel Buhais exploring significant sites along the way. The Mleiha Archeological Center also offers an Archeological tour of major dig sites.  

5. Explore abandoned lifeboats in the middle of the desert

Location: 25.137912, 55.876114
4×4 Needed: No
Hours: Always Open
Cost: Free

Truly one of the most bizarre desert landmarks in the UAE, these abandoned lifeboats in the middle of the Mleiha desert remain a mystery. No one knows quite how they got there – or how long they’ve been there – but they rest among the orange dunes of Mleiha inviting in urban explorers.

The most likely theory says that these lifeboats once belonged to the Betatank II, a large tanker which was refurbished at the Dubai Drydocks in 2010. Why the lifeboats made it out to Mleiha, some 50km from the coast of Dubai, continues to be unexplained, but some wager that someone must have bought the boats cheap and then didn’t know what to make of them. 

Regardless, for the photographer and urban explorer alike, these lifeboats are a unique place to add to your Mleiha itinerary. Clamber inside to get a close-up view of the abandoned equipment, or climb on top of the boats for beautiful views of the nearby Fossil Rock and Al Faya mountain range. Just remember to be careful when exploring abandoned places – close toed shoes are highly recommended at this site. 

These lifeboats are located right off of Mleiha’s central road and only minutes away from the Mleiha Archeological Center. They’re a fun place to stop by on your way through Mleiha, and don’t forget to snap a few photos!

Recommended Reading: The Buried Village of Al Madam: Exploring a Ghost Village in the Desert

6. Go dune-bashing in the Mleiha Desert

Location: Mleiha Desert
4×4 Needed: Yes
Hours: Depends on tour operator
Cost: Depends on your operator

You can’t come to the UAE without at some point hopping in the back of a 4WD and speeding through the sand dunes. Mleiha is one of the most beautiful places to have this experience, with some of the largest dunes in the UAE and the backdrop of the Al Faya mountain range all around you. Climb in, hold on tight, and prepare for a stunning (and adrenaline-inducing!) ride.

Most dune-bashing companies offer two options – SUV rides or dune buggies. SUVs are heavier, meaning you won’t often go as fast, though they are generally cheaper and air conditioned. On the contrary, dune-buggies are open air. Their lighter frames allow them to travel even faster – you might see dune-buggies popping a wheelie while rushing through the dunes. 

Whether you prefer an SUV or a dune buggy is a personal choice. If you are experienced in desert-driving, you can enjoy the off-roading trails around Mleiha on your own, but I absolutely do not recommend this to the average traveler. Dune-bashing is a specialized skill, so it is essential to travel with someone who knows how to properly drive in these challenging landscapes. 

Here’s a highly recommended SUV tour of Mleiha with an archeological focus, or for the adrenaline seeking traveler, a private dune-buggy ride through some of Mleiha’s natural highlights. 

7. Explore the Neolithic Era on the Valley of the Caves Trail

Location: 25.123811, 55.848558 (starting point)
4×4 Needed: No
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 9AM-7PM, Thursday-Saturday 9AM-9PM
Cost: Free

The Valley of the Caves Trail perfectly combines Mleiha’s stunning nature and rich history. This archeological hiking trail takes visitors on a trek through Mleiha’s archeological history, all while admiring the limestone caves that make this landscape truly unique. 

Beginning at the Water Spring, continue on the clearly-marked trail up the side of the Al Faya Mountain Range. There are numerous caves along the way that you can stop and explore. Many of these caves were former homes for some of the world’s earliest humans – evidenced by the number of ancient tools and dishes discovered deep within the cave systems. 

The surrounding landscape is striking in its many twisting rocks. Once a thriving coral reef system millions of years ago, hikers can still find many marine fossils hidden among the rocks on the Valley of the Caves Trail. Keep an eye out for Cephalopods, spiraled marine fossils from the Mesozoic era.

The Valley of the Caves hike is suitable for any experience level, with a total roundtrip distance of 5km and minimal elevation gain. Click here to find the entire trail map on Wikiloc. The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow, but please remember to stay on the trail. Because of the delicate nature of the surrounding rocks, they are not suitable to hold weight and can easily crumble if stepped on. Staying on the trail helps keep care of yourself and the countless structures  that have survived millions of years.

8. Get an adrenaline rush at the X-Quarry Adventure Park

Location: 25.097557, 55.827074
4×4 Needed: Yes
Hours: Thursday and Sunday 9AM – 6PM, Weekdays with advanced booking
Cost: General admission 50 AED, Off-road admission 150 AED

The UAE’s first off-road adventure park is Mleiha’s latest addition, inviting adrenaline junkies from around the world to come and test their driving skills at X-Quarry’s off-road trails. This formerly abandoned quarry is now home to 12,000 meters worth of obstacles and routes, all custom-built to showcase car capabilities. 

Seasoned off-roaders can come in their own cars to drive the trails, or visitors newer to the off-roading scene can take part in a guided drive with an expert driver. With a focus on outdoor training and responsible adventure, X-Quarry park also offers off-road training courses for folks who are interested in learning how to master their skills and safely navigate the nearby dunes. 

Those who want to make a whole day of their off-roading adventure can also enjoy desert barbecues and camping on the X-Quarry property. Surrounded by the Al Faya mountain range and only a short hike from Fossil Rock and Camel Rock, this is a great base for the adrenaline-driven traveler. 

Packages can be booked directly through the X-Quarry website. Note that X-Quarry park offers customized opening hours and venue rental on weekdays. To ensure you can visit at your preferred time, you can email reservation@xquarry.com

9. Go camping in the Mleiha Desert

Location: Mleiha Desert
4×4 Needed: Yes depending on where you want to camp
Hours: Any time
Cost: Free to self-camp, organized tour costs vary

Desert camping is a truly extraordinary experience. Watch the sunset over the dunes, cook a barbecue dinner outside your tent, and best of all admire the bright desert stars far away from the city lights. Mleiha, with its giant dunes and millions of years of history, is one of the most spectacular places in the world to have this experience.

Here’s another reality about desert camping: The better the landscapes, the more you’ll be dealing with off-roaders. The constant revving of engines is not what most people picture when they envision a relaxing desert camping experience, and no one wants to be kept awake all night worried about being run over by a dune buggy. With this in mind, here are a few tips for planning a camping trip to Mleiha. 

If you want to go camping on your own, consider camping on one of the summits in Mleiha such as Fossil Rock or Reel Jeapers (on Al Faya Mountain). You can also camp close to a rock formation like Camel Rock to ensure you’re far from the off-roading trails. 

If you don’t want to plan the trip yourself, consider joining an organized camping tour in Mleiha. This overnight camping trip comes with a dune-ride, star gazing, and a barbecue dinner and takes all of the work out of having to plan your own camping trip. Organized by the Mleiha Archeological Center, you can ensure you’re in a safe and tranquil spot. 

Whichever way you decide to camp, I recommend visiting on a weekday if you want to avoid the biggest crowds. Desert camping in the UAE is also best done during the winter months from October to March when the weather is much cooler. Just bring your sweatshirt – the desert can get chilly at night!

Recommended Reading: A Local’s Guide to Desert Camping in the UAE + The Best Places To Go (Coming Soon!)

10. Test your survival skills with Survive the Sands

Location: Mleiha Archeological Center
4×4 Needed: No
Hours: 1.5 hour sessions bookable throughout the day
Cost: AED 180

Do you think you have what it takes to survive in the desert? Survive the Sands is a new initiative from the Mleiha Archaeological Center putting visitor’s survival skills to the test. 

The ever-changing terrain of the desert can challenge even the most adventurous explorer, but Survive the Sands provides visitors with all of the skills they need to survive in the desert while also providing a unique history into how humans survived and evolved on the Arabian Peninsula for millions of years. 

Participants will learn a variety of simple-yet-effective survival tips among the towering dunes in Mleiha – from constructing a basic shelter to building a proper fire pit. Alongside each skill participants will also learn how Bedouin people survived in the deserts of the UAE for centuries – such as using the sun and stars as a compass for navigation. 

All activities are hands-on and informative, such as learning the art of reserving drinking water using a sheet of plastic to create a solar still. All participants will leave with a much deeper sense of survival for arid desert conditions and a sense of appreciation for the people who have long called these landscapes home.

This activity is offered by the Mleiha Archaeological Center and open to anyone 11 and above. Note that any ages 11-18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. The cost is 180 AED per person in attendance. Click here to learn more and reserve your tickets. 

11. Explore the earth at Buhais Geology Park

Location: Buhais Geology Park
4×4 Needed: No
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 9AM to 7:30PM, Friday: 2PM to 7:30 PM, Closed on Tuesdays
Cost: AED 10.50 adults, children under 12 free

With buildings quite literally inspired by the marine fossils found in the area, Mleiha’s Buhais Geology Park is the perfect stop for the Geology lover. The five interconnected pods sit on top of a former seabed nestled among the mountain peaks, each designed of natural colored steel to seamlessly blend into the landscape.

The museum features interactive displays diving deeper into the geological history of the region – from the limestone mountains to the sweeping sand dunes. Visitors can examine local rocks and fossils in the many interactive exhibitions. The Buhais Geology Park also offers several events and worships throughout the year for those wanting to dive deeper into the geological significance of the region.

Outside the museum structure, a walking path takes visitors up to a viewing point where they can see a bird’s eye view of the unique buildings and surrounding landscape. Since the Buhais Geology Park is built on a significant geological landscape – a dried seabed home to numerous fossils from the Cretaceous Period – the trail explores the otherworldly landscape. Visitors can mind Ophiolite boulders dating back 93 million years as well as numerous fossils. 

The trail also offers a viewpoint of the Wadi Suq tombs, Bronze-Age era tombs, notable for their long chambers used for many burials. The tombs at the Buhais Geology Park reveal significant insight into the burial rituals of some of the earliest humans on the Arabian Peninsula. 

Tickets for the Buhais Geology Park can be purchased on arrival. Note that the final tickets are sold 30 minutes before closing time. 

Recommended Reading: Hiking the Rainbow Valley, Fujairah: The best UAE Hike for Geology Lovers

12. Explore the desert on horseback at Mleiha Stables

Location: Mleiha Stables
4×4 Needed: No
Hours: All bookings subject to availability
Cost: Desert rides begin at 140 AED

While camels might be known as the “ships of the desert,” horses also held a role of high significance in Emirati culture. Horses have long been a symbol of chivalry and nobility in the Arab world, and are held in high regard in both ancient and modern communities in the UAE. The Arabian horse specifically is one of the oldest and purest breeds in the world, known for their speed and strength. 

Come and experience the majesty of Arabian horses for yourself at the Mleiha Stables. Offering a number of activities for all skill-levels, the Mleiha stables are the perfect place to come and experience the best of the desert on horseback. 

First-time riders can join a guided desert ride through the otherworldly landscapes of Mleiha, whereas more experienced riders can rent a horse for the afternoon and explore on their own. The Mleiha stables also offer training courses and arena rides for those looking to brush up on their riding skills. 

All rides are subject to availability and can be booked by emailing mleihamanagement@discovermleiha.ae or making a booking at the Mleiha Archaeological Center. Pro tip: when you’re walking to the stables from the center, don’t forget to stop and say hi to the Arabian gazelles who gather near the stable!

My Essential Gear for Traveling in the UAE

The desert is an unforgiving place so having the right gear is essential! Here are some of my tried-and-tested products that I recommend to any traveler in the UAE. 

• Sturdy Sandals – Sandals are the best shoes for exploring the desert. I practically live in my mid-form Tevas, but Keens are a great closed-toed option.
• Well-made boots: If you plan to hike, well-made boots are a must. I’ve hiked plenty of peaks in my Blundstone Boots, but Colombia offers some good budget-friendly options.
• A Purifying  Water Bottle – Water is scarce in the desert, so it’s important to have access any chance you get! I’ve filled up my Water-To-Go bottle from plenty of wadi streams with no issues. I even recommend this bottle to travelers who are sticking to the cities to help eliminate the salinated taste and harsh minerals.
• Lightweight Scarves – Whether hiking or city walking, I always keep a lightweight scarf in my bag in case I need to cover my head or protect me from the harsh desert sun. 
• A Sun Hat – Essential for outdoor activities in the UAE, a wide-brimmed sun hat helps protect you from the harsh desert rays. 

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