Mleiha National Park: Sharjah’s eco-tourism gem and conservation success story

Sharjah: Deep in the heart of the emirate’s desert, Mleiha National Park (MNP) has become a leading eco-tourism destination and a model of conservation.

Spread across 34.2 square kilometres, the park showcases the beauty and biodiversity of the Arabian desert while offering visitors a chance to experience nature up close.

The park was established by Emiri Decree under the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and is managed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).

It forms part of the Core Zone of the Faya Palaeolandscape, recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, underscoring its global cultural and ecological significance.

What makes Mleiha remarkable is its diverse natural setting. Visitors encounter striking terrains that range from rolling Barchan sand dunes to vast gravel plains and rugged limestone outcrops.

These contrasting landscapes create specialised habitats where unique plants and animals thrive, turning the desert into a vibrant ecological mosaic.

The park is home to more than 100 documented species, making it a true biodiversity hotspot. Among its more than 20 native plants are the resilient Ghaf tree, Umbrella Thorn Acacia, Sodom’s Apple, and the seasonal Arabian primrose. These plants play a vital role in stabilising dunes, conserving water, and providing shelter for wildlife.

The vegetation supports an array of animals, including 11 species of mammals. The Arabian Red Fox, known for its adaptability, and the graceful Sand Gazelle are among the most notable.

The park also shelters over 10 reptile species, such as the burrowing Sandfish Skink and the elusive Arabian Horned Viper.

Birdwatchers are equally rewarded, with more than 20 species recorded in the park. From powerful raptors like Bonelli’s Eagle to smaller residents like the Purple Sunbird, Mleiha attracts both year-round and migratory birds.

Even the smallest creatures play an important role: over 39 species of insects and arachnids live here, including the pollinating Carpenter Bee and the rarely spotted Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion.

Mleiha National Park offers more than just scenery—it invites visitors to connect with the environment through eco-friendly activities. Guided trails, plant identification walks, and wildlife observation points bring guests face to face with desert life.

Birdwatching and photography spots encourage quieter encounters with nature, while horse riding across dunes and plains adds a cultural and adventurous touch.

These experiences are designed to inspire environmental awareness and align with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals.

Conservation is at the heart of Mleiha’s mission. A dedicated Core Conservation Zone, overseen in collaboration with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), ensures fragile habitats are safeguarded while allowing controlled eco-tourism.

For Shurooq, the park represents a form of “natural capital,” where protecting biodiversity is not only an environmental priority but also a foundation for sustainable economic growth through eco-tourism.

Far from barren, the Arabian desert at Mleiha teems with life. The park stands as proof that specialised ecosystems can flourish in the harshest conditions, offering visitors a deeper understanding of nature and conservation.

Mleiha National Park is more than a destination — it is a reminder that beyond the dunes lies a world worth protecting.