N IS FOR NATURAL HISTORY: A little-known fact is that the UAE has an incredibly exciting and vibrant natural history, with an abundance of evidence of life dating back to 65 million years ago. Discover the UAE’s ancient past at the fascinating Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah (pictured), just outside Dubai, where you can learn more about the history of the Bedouin culture, find real fossils of marine creatures on Fossil Rock, marvel at remnants of tombs dating back to the Iron and Bronze Ages, and spy rare desert flora and fauna. Meanwhile the Mars-like Buhais Geology Park, also in Sharjah, features five interconnected pods, which house exhibitions investigating the UAE’s rich geological history, as well as giant Ophiolite boulders - parts of a section of the Earth’s crust that has been forced up and exposed - which make for a wonderful teaching aid to tell kids about tectonic plates and the history of the Earth. DETAILS: Access to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre is Dh25 for adults and Dh15 for kids (3-12, under 3s are free), but you can opt to go on one of their fossil-hunting expeditions or other outdoor tours for an additional cost. Open Sat-Wed, 9am to 7pm, Thu-Fri until 9pm. Buhais Geology Park is free entry, Sunday-Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday 2pm-6.30pm, Saturday 11am-6.30pm, 06 801 2100.
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