$70m archaeological tourism investment in UAE

According to the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), phase one of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project is now successfully completed

Mleiha is one of the main archaeological attractions in the UAE, a heritage build on ruins that date back hundred thousands of years.

Phase one included the building of the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, featuring archaeological sites, such as the Umm an-Nar Tomb, the Valley of the Caves, the Mleiha Fort and the pre-Islamic Mleiha Palace. Sports activities are also available on site: Adrenaline Adventures tours of the Fossil Rock, Camel Rock and the Valley of the Caves.

With phase one over, phase two of the project will feature the 450sq km Mleiha National Desert Park wildlife reserve and an astronomy observatory in cooperation with the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, head of Shurooq, declared:

"Launching this project reflects the keenness of our leadership to protect our heritage and preserve our Emirati identity. In this way we preserve our cultural history and ensure its place history. We intend to work towards promoting this important historical site in order to both protect it and bring visitors to it."

Talking about the project's goal, Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, underlined:

"The project aims to highlight tourist and historical attractions, introduce the region's rich cultural legacy and archaeological heritage and attract visitors, particularly nature and heritage lovers to the emirate of Sharjah.

"Our key markets include Emirati families for picnicking, camping and desert driving, professional residents of various nationalities and independent overseas tourists and holiday tour groups.”