Just over an hour’s drive from Sharjah and Dubai, Mleiha National Park has unveiled a new season of immersive desert experiences, ranging from premium glamping and guided astronomy programmes to outdoor adventures set against one of the UAE’s most striking natural landscapes. Spanning the Mleiha Glamping site and the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, the season invites visitors to connect with the desert by day and the cosmos by night.
With the season now underway, guests can expect a varied programme of experiences, alongside an expanding calendar of celestial events planned for 2026. Building on a series of successful skywatching highlights this year, the initiative further cements Mleiha’s reputation as a leading destination for astronomy enthusiasts and night-sky lovers, thanks to its exceptionally dark desert skies.
“The desert has an intimate connection with Arabia, and Mleiha National Park captures its majestic charm,” said Omar Jasim Al Ali, Manager of Mleiha & Strategic Projects. “This season, history, nature and adventure come together, inviting guests to explore, learn and unwind beneath some of the region’s clearest night skies.”
Mleiha Glamping has returned for the cooler months, offering a refined take on desert living through a collection of upscale tents designed for families and small groups. Blending authenticity with comfort, the glamping site allows guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Visitors can choose between Premium Glamping Tents, which feature ensuite bathrooms and added privacy, or Standard Glamping Tents, which deliver the same cosy ambience with shared facilities and sweeping open-air desert views. Both options provide a peaceful retreat amid the dramatic landscape of Mleiha.
For those seeking a more traditional overnight experience, Mleiha Overnight Camping offers the chance to sleep beneath open skies in a designated desert setting. Campers are welcome to bring their own food for grilling or opt for a prepared barbecue dinner from Mleiha’s menu, combining simplicity with comfort in the heart of the desert.
Renowned for its clear skies and minimal light pollution, Mleiha stands out as one of the UAE’s premier destinations for astronomy. Regular stargazing evenings invite visitors to observe planets and deep-sky objects through professional telescopes, guided by expert astronomers.
The programme also includes interactive talks, quizzes and traditional desert hospitality, creating an engaging and educational experience under the stars. Building on a year of standout skywatching events, a calendar of significant celestial phenomena is already anticipated for 2026, reinforcing Mleiha’s appeal to astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike.
Beyond stargazing, Mleiha National Park brings together adventure and education through a range of hands-on experiences. Thrill-seekers aged 13 and above can take part in the Sand Surfer experience, which combines an off-road SUV drive with sandboarding across the park’s distinctive red dunes.
Families can explore the landscape on the one-hour Dune Buggy Landscape Tour, visiting natural landmarks such as Camel Rock and Fossil Rock. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour introduces participants aged eight and above to the area’s geological history and unique terrain.
Educational activities are also central to the park’s offering. The Flora and Fauna Workshop welcomes children aged five and above for guided walks and interactive sessions focused on the desert’s plant and animal life. Meanwhile, Fossil Fun Expeditions transport visitors back millions of years to a time when the region lay beneath a prehistoric sea, allowing guests to examine real fossils and take home a replica as a keepsake of Mleiha’s ancient past.
(With inputs from PTI)
Where is Mleiha National Park located?
Mleiha National Park is located in Sharjah and is just over an hour’s drive from both Sharjah city and Dubai, making it an easy day trip or overnight desert escape.
What accommodation options are available at Mleiha?
Visitors can choose between Premium Glamping Tents with ensuite bathrooms, Standard Glamping Tents with shared facilities, or a traditional overnight camping experience under the open desert sky.
What activities are available for families and children?
Families can enjoy dune buggy tours, flora and fauna workshops, fossil expeditions and other educational experiences. Activities are suitable for children from as young as five, depending on the programme.
Are there special celestial events planned at Mleiha?
Mleiha hosts regular stargazing events throughout the season and is preparing a calendar of notable celestial events anticipated for 2026, building on successful skywatching experiences from previous years.