UAE: Mleiha National Park launches ‘Come Closer’ campaign to showcase Sharjah’s heritage and nature

Sharjah: Mleiha National Park, a landmark conservation site dedicated to preserving Sharjah’s historical and ecological heritage, has unveiled its ‘Come Closer’ campaign, inviting visitors to engage deeply with nature, culture, adventure, and history.

The initiative, developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), marks a significant milestone in the park’s efforts to offer an immersive experience, spanning over 200,000 years of human history and natural wonders. The announcement follows the completion of a fencing project around the park’s 34.2 sq km boundary in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Works (DPW), reinforcing its commitment to conservation.

Preserving Sharjah’s legacy
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, highlighted the park’s importance. “The launch of our ‘Come Closer’ campaign and the completion of the Mleiha National Park fencing project marks a major milestone in our ongoing commitment to preserve and showcase Sharjah’s rich cultural and natural heritage,” he said.
“This experiential destination, made possible through the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the passionate guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Shurooq, exemplifies our dedication to developing world-class destinations, offering a holistic tourist experience where visitors can explore history, culture, and nature all in one place. The Mleiha National Park stands as a pillar to Sharjah’s commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation, inviting visitors to forge deeper connections with our past while inspiring future generations to cherish and protect our shared heritage,” he added.
5 key themes
The ‘Come Closer’ campaign is structured around five key themes: ‘Come Closer to History,’ ‘Come Closer to Nature,’ ‘Come Closer to the Stars,’ ‘Come Closer to Culture,’ and ‘Come Closer to Adventure,’ showcasing the park’s diverse offerings.

Visitors can explore ancient archaeological wonders through guided tours of Fossil Rock and Jebel Buhais, witness rare desert flora and fauna, and experience Sharjah’s cultural richness through traditional Arabian hospitality at the park’s Sunset Lounges. Mleiha’s remote desert location also offers exceptional stargazing opportunities, enhanced by luxury glamping experiences under pristine night skies.
For adventure seekers, the park presents thrilling activities, including 4×4 desert drives, sand surfing, paragliding, and guided hikes through fossil-strewn landscapes. Each activity is conducted with ecological integrity, ensuring a balance between tourism and conservation.

At a glance

• Come Closer to History: Explore 200,000 years of human history through Mleiha’s ancient archaeological sites, guided tours, and prehistoric relics.
• Come Closer to Nature: Discover Mleiha’s unique desert ecosystem, featuring rare plants like the Arabian primrose and indigenous wildlife such as the Arabian red fox and desert gazelle.
• Come Closer to the Stars: Stargaze under a pristine desert sky through guided astronomical tours and overnight glamping experiences.
• Come Closer to Culture: Immerse yourself in Emirati heritage with traditional Arabian hospitality, local Majlis interactions, and eco-luxury retreats.
• Come Closer to Adventure: Experience thrilling desert activities like hiking, dune drives, paragliding, buggy rides, and guided 4×4 expeditions.