Mleiha lies in Sharjah's Central Region, with archaeological finds spanning the Palaeolithic to the pre-Islamic era. The nearby Faya Palaeolandscape was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2025.
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Type
- Desert
- Best time
- December to February
- Suggested stay
- 1–2 days
- Main gateway airport
- Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
- Malaria
- None
Why go to Mleiha
- Mleiha Archaeological Centre and its Bronze Age Umm an-Nar tomb
- Fossil Rock with marine fossils about 65 million years old
- Telescope stargazing and overnight camping
- Sunset horse rides and fat-tyre desert biking
- Near Faya Palaeolandscape, inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2025
Best time to visit Mleiha
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Mleiha is December to February.
Season for hiking to Fossil Rock, camping and stargazing.
High heat makes evening activities and stargazing the practical choice.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12–24 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| February | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| March | 17–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| April | 21–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| May | 26–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 28–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| July | 30–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| August | 30–43 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| September | 27–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| October | 23–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 18–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| December | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Mleiha includes camels.
Things to do
Getting there
Mleiha is about 65 km south-east of Sharjah city. Most activities start at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre; Fossil Rock tours use air-conditioned 4x4s, and the centre offers paid transfers from Sharjah and Dubai.
Trips to Mleiha
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Mleiha for families
- Mleiha for a honeymoon
- Mleiha for photographers
- Mleiha for a first safari
- Mleiha on a budget
- Mleiha for luxury travel
Compare with
- Mleiha vs Ras Al Khaimah Desert
- Mleiha vs Liwa
- Mleiha vs Hatta
- Mleiha vs Al Marmoom
- Mleiha vs Dubai Desert
- Mleiha vs Sir Bani Yas Island
Travelling to Mleiha from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Mleiha?
Generally December to February. Season for hiking to Fossil Rock, camping and stargazing.
How many days do I need in Mleiha?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Mleiha?
Mleiha is about 65 km south-east of Sharjah city. Most activities start at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre; Fossil Rock tours use air-conditioned 4x4s, and the centre offers paid transfers from Sharjah and Dubai.
Sources: Visit Sharjah – Mleiha desert immersion · WAM – UNESCO inscribes Sharjah's Faya · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.