The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Shurooq, has released details of the completed phase one of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project. The multiphase project will create a new tourist attraction in the UAE and the wider Arab region with an estimated AED 250 million expected to be invested in Mleiha over the next few years. 

The Mleiha tourist destination, one of the most important archeological sites in the UAE, has been created in the vicinity of various ruins and burial sites that date back to ancient times, some more than hundred thousands of years. 

Speaking at the press conference to unveil Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Shurooq, said: "I am very happy to be here to announce the details of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project. I am particularly delighted because I know that this project will add value to Sharjah and the UAE generally. Twenty years ago I wrote my theses in anthropology and archeology. During that time Dr. Sabah Jassim was supervising my thesis and he is among us today to present details of Mleiha as the Director of the Sharjah Directorate of Antiquities. 

Sheikha Bodour went on to say the choosing to develop and protect Mleiha was a very important decision as it is a living memory of our heritage and an integral part of our future. She said, "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." 

Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, gave a detailed presentation about the first phase of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project, which will be officially opened by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah on this coming Wednesday. He said that the development of the project is in line with His Highness’ determination to develop the Central and Eastern regions. It also forms part of Shurooq’s commitment to developing world-class tourist projects by improving investment opportunities with the aim of achieving social, cultural, environmental and economic development. This follows the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 set out by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). 

The first phase will see the opening of the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, designed to allow visitors to gain a deeper insight in a fun and interactive manner. The building is designed to cater to the needs of tourists and provide them with information about Mleiha’s landmarks. The centre will have archaeological finds on display, informative and educational displays with historical facts about the region, a cafe and lounges, interactive screens that display documentaries about Mleiha’s history, signboards with details about the area, a store for the brand "I Love Sharjah", service facilities and administration offices. 

According to Al Sarkal, the centre will be a starting point for people visiting the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project will offer guided tours. Al Sarkal also said the project will house a range of archaeological sites, such as the Umm an-Nar Tomb, the Valley of the Caves, the Mleiha Fort, historic horse and camel graveyard, the ancient farmhouse with kitchen, the pre-Islamic Mleiha Palace. 

Al Sarkal revealed that Shurooq will soon embark of phase two of the Mleiha project in collaboration with relevant partners. The second phase will involve the construction of Mleiha National Desert Park over an area of 450 square kilometres. The park will serve as a wildlife reserve that will see the release of a range of animals such as the Oryx, gazelles and the mountain deer, in collaboration with the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA). 

Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (STCDA), stated: "The Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism Project plays a key role in Sharjah’s diversified projects to boost its tourism sector. Additionally, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre will offer both visitors and tourists a new and unique experience to Sharjah as one of the most significant tourism destinations in the region. Finally, the project will play an influential role in leading the region’s eco-tourism and archaeological tourism sector." 

The Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project is a collaboration by Shurooq with the Planning and Survey Department, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, and the Directorate of Antiquities at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information. It is unique tourist destination due to its natural beauty, diversity of rare wildlife and its archaeological discoveries which has seen it nominated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. 

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