Mleiha Archaeological Centre

Located around 2 km outside of Sharjah is the town of Mleiha. Also referred to as Maleha, Mileiha, or Malaihah, the town provides visitors with a sublime glimpse into the ancient lives, histories, and traditions of indigenous Bedouin cultures through the Mleiha Archaeological Centre.

Opened in January 2016, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre was originally centred around several archaeological sites that were uncovered in the area in the decades preceding. Artefacts uncovered in the area have been dated back to the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, and pre-Islamic eras, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see what everyday life was like for the Bedouins and nomads who walked these shifting sands millennia ago.

Highlights of the Mleiha Archaeological Centre

The Mleiha Archaeological Centre’s main draw is the way it allows you to get up close and personal with its various archaeological sites. Visit an ancient necropolis of Bronze Age tombs at Jebel Faya, step into history at the Mleiha Fort, or take a hike through a valley of caves dating back to the Stone Age. Some sites have been closed to visits from the public in order to preserve their artefacts, but you can still catch a glimpse of their beauty from dedicated viewing platforms.

Apart from exploring archaeological finds, visitors to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre can also look forward to plenty of outdoor activities and seasonal offerings. Traverse the golden sand dunes in your very own dune buggy, visit the Mleiha Stables to see the resident herd of gazelles, or join a desert tour and discover the secrets of the Camel and Fossil Rocks.

Explorers who want to stay a little longer and truly immerse themselves in a whole new world can consider booking an overnight stargazing experience in Mleiha. Guided by professional astronomers in the comfort of your desert camp, you’ll find yourself awestruck by the vast expanse of the night sky and the glimmering constellations high above you.

Admission fees:

Adults: 25 AED
Children under 10: 15 AED
Children under 4: Free entry

Family Centre: 75 AED (Valid for 2 adults and 3 children)
Personal Guide in English or Arabic: 20 AED per guide (Up to 10 people per guide)

Ticketing for the Mleiha Archaeological Centre ends 30 minutes before closing time.

Mleiha Archaeological Centre Opening Hours:

The Mleiha Archaeological Centre is open at the following times:

Sunday to Wednesday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Thursday to Saturday: 9:00am to 9:00pm
(Ramadan) Monday to Sunday: 9:00am to 2:30pm and 5:00pm to 10:30pm

Getting there from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah

The Mleiha Archaeological Centre is less than an hour’s drive from The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah. Visitors who wish to make the drive there on their own can take the S116 out of Sharjah to Al Dhaid-Maleha Rd/Al Shuwaib – Umm Al Quwain Rd/E55 in Mleiha. From there, take the exit toward Maliha/S55/Madam/Dhaid from Maleha Rd/Sharjah-Kalba Rd/E102. Continue along Al Dhaid-Maleha Rd/Al Shuwaib – Umm Al Quwain Rd/E55 until you reach your destination.

Guests at our luxury hotel and resort can also utilise our VIP concierge service in Sharjah to make their trip to Mleiha a fuss-free experience. Our local expert concierges are well-versed in the attractions and landmarks around Sharjah, and are able to make personalised recommendations and transportation reservations to meet your one-of-a-kind travel needs. Allow us to introduce you to our selection of the best sightseeing spots near Dubai, Souqs in Sharjah, and museums in Sharjah to truly make your stay with us an unforgettable one.