Faya and Mleiha
Fossils by day, stars by night.
Wonder No. 8 · Sharjah · Desert
In the desert of central Sharjah, around Jebel Faya and the village of Mleiha, archaeologists have found tools showing that people lived here more than 200,000 years ago. In 2025 the Faya Palaeolandscape became the UAE's second UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first desert Palaeolithic site on the list.
The Mleiha Archaeological Centre explains the story, and nearby you can hike to Fossil Rock, where sea fossils sit high above the sand. After dark, the low light pollution makes it one of the best stargazing areas near Dubai.
Tips for your visit
- Book guided activities, such as fossil hikes and stargazing, through the Mleiha centre.
- Visit in the cooler months and plan the trip from afternoon into evening.
- Moonless nights give the best stars.
Opening hours, prices and booking rules change. Check the official site before you go: Mleiha Archaeological Centre.
Last checked November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
