This article is part of a series on the
History of the United Arab Emirates
Bronze Age Magan civilization Umm Al Nar culture Wadi Suq culture Archaeological sites Mleiha Al Ashoosh Al Sufouh Ed-Dur Hili Saruq Al Hadid Shimal Tell Abraq
Iron Age Iron Age in the United Arab Emirates Archaeological sites Al Thuqeibah Al Bithnah Bidaa Bint Saud Ed Dur Muweilah Seih Al Harf Qattara Oasis Rumailah Saruq Al Hadid Shimal Tell Abraq
Pre-Islamic Era Sasanian rule Archaeological sites Mleiha Ed-Dur
Islamic Era Battle of Dibba Kush Julfar Jumeirah Archaeological Site Shimal Wadi Sur
Colonial Era Portuguese Dibba Portuguese Khor Fakkan Julfar Persian Gulf campaign of 1809 Persian Gulf campaign of 1819 General Maritime Treaty of 1820 Perpetual Maritime Truce Trucial States
Modern history Al Mahatta Fort Buraimi Dispute Pearling industry Saudi Arabia–United Arab Emirates border dispute Seizure of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs First parliamentary election Yemeni Civil War Qatar blockade Socotra dispute COVID-19 pandemic
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25°7′34.95″N 55°51′27.17″E / 25.1263750°N 55.8575472°E / 25.1263750; 55.8575472

Meliha Archaeological Centre is a visitor centre and exhibition based around the history and archaeology of the areas surrounding the village of Mleiha in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates. Built around a preserved Umm Al Nar era tomb,^[1] the centre details the excavations and discoveries made over the past 40 years at Mleiha and surrounding areas (including Al Thuqeibah, Jebel Faya, Al Madam and Jebel Buhais), particularly the important Faya North East find, which provides evidence that 'anatomically modern humans' were in the Mleiha area between 130,000 and 120,000 years ago.^[2] These finds point to the spread of humanity from Africa across the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf region, and onward to populate the world through Iran, India, Europe and Asia.

The centre was opened on 24 January 2016 by the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.^[3] The multi-phase eco-tourism development is intended in future to comprise accommodation, a campsite and an astronomical observatory, with a total investment of some UAE Dhs 250 million. It will also include the development of a 450 km desert park.^[4] The centre was developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).

Visitor facilities at the archaeological centre include a café and a range of guided excursions.

Tours are offered from the Centre to nearby attractions, including the popular 'Fossil Rock', or Jebel Mleiha.^[5] A range of horse-riding activities target beginners as well as advanced riders.^[6] The centre has an education outreach program and also offers discovery packages for families, as well as hosting groups and corporate events.^[7]

Currently under development at the centre site, the Al Faya Lodge is a small collection of luxury hotel rooms with a café, pool and spa, based around outbuildings first constructed in the 1960s.^[8] The Lodge forms part of 'The Sharjah Collection', a range of boutique hospitality locations managed by Mantis Hotels, a joint venture between Shurooq and Mantis Hospitality.^[9]

One of a number of innovations being deployed to maintain the eco-tourism aspect of the centre is 'spray on roads'.^[10]

The centre is open to the public weekdays from 9am-7pm and weekends (Thursday, Friday) from 9am-9pm.

• List of Ancient Settlements in the UAE
• Archaeology of the United Arab Emirates
• Iron Age in the United Arab Emirates