The Sharjah destination brings archaeology, desert adventure and stargazing together in one remarkable escape.
- Mleiha National Park wins Middle East’s Leading National Park
- The Sharjah destination blends archaeology with desert adventures
- Visitors can explore heritage sites, stargazing and outdoor experiences
- The award adds fresh attention to Sharjah’s tourism offering
Some UAE weekend drives trade skyscrapers for sand long before sunset. Head towards Sharjah’s Central Region and the scenery changes quickly, with open dunes, rugged rock formations and the distant silhouette of Jebel Faya. Mleiha National Park now has another reason to make that drive, after being named the Middle East’s Leading National Park 2026 at the World Travel Awards.
For Dubai residents, the appeal of Sharjah desert experiences is that Mleiha can feel like a complete change of pace without requiring an overnight trip. The destination brings archaeological discoveries, guided desert activities and astronomy experiences together across the Faya Palaeolandscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A late afternoon visit can start with history before the desert takes over. At Mleiha, visitors can explore archaeological sites and learn about the region’s human history before heading outdoors for activities around the dramatic terrain.
Fossil Rock, desert trails and wide-open views give the experience a distinctly physical side, while guided heritage tours add context to the landscape around Jebel Faya. For families, couples and curious weekend explorers, it means the day doesn’t have to revolve around a single activity.
After sunset, Mleiha takes on another personality. Stargazing becomes part of the experience, with the absence of city glare creating a natural backdrop for astronomy sessions. It’s the kind of evening that can make a simple weekend plan stretch well past dinner.
The award also puts Mleiha tourism into a wider regional conversation. Mleiha was the UAE’s sole representative in its World Travel Awards category, competing against national parks from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Israel. The 2026 recognition was decided through voting that included the public and travel industry professionals.
That mix is central to Mleiha’s appeal. Archaeological heritage, eco-tourism, outdoor adventure and educational experiences sit alongside the desert scenery, giving visitors several ways to understand the same place. A drive from Dubai can become a history lesson, a desert adventure and a night beneath the stars.
For anyone planning a cooler-season UAE weekend, Mleiha National Park is now carrying a new regional title alongside its long list of reasons to visit. Pack comfortable shoes, leave some room in the schedule and let Sharjah’s Central Region set the pace!
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