Mleiha National Park unveils educational workshops for children

Set against the backdrop of the region's rich archaeological and natural heritage, these interactive programmes offer children a unique opportunity to explore the desert's wonders, uncover ancient history, and gaze into the cosmos.

Located just over an hour's drive from Sharjah city, Mleiha National Park sits at the centre of the Paleolandscape of Faya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park's educational offerings aim to foster a deep connection between the younger generation and the natural world, blending hands-on learning with unforgettable outdoor experiences.

"The desert has an intimate connection with Arabia, and Mleiha National Park captures its majestic charm," said Omar Jasim Al Ali, Manager of Mleiha and Strategic Projects. "Our goal is to offer visitors, both children and adults, an authentic connection to the desert at Mleiha National Park. Here, history, nature, and adventure converge to create moments that resonate deeply with everyone. Our curated experiences go beyond the ordinary, inviting young people to explore, learn, and relax in a setting like no other."

The educational workshops cater to children aged five and above, offering a diverse range of activities spanning ecology, palaeontology, astronomy, and archaeology. The Flora and Fauna Workshop, a one-hour experience, immerses children in the vibrant biodiversity of the arid landscape. Participants learn about the indigenous plants and animals of Mleiha through engaging activities and a guided tour of the local ecosystem.

Transporting visitors back over seventy million years, the region itself encompasses even older geological histories, including the time when the area was covered by a prehistoric sea. The Fossil Fun Expeditions offer hands-on geological adventures in two tiers. The Standard Expedition, lasting approximately one hour, allows children to examine real fossils from Mleiha National Park and create their own cast to take home. The Premium Expedition, spanning one-and-a-half to two hours, takes young palaeontologists on a field visit through ancient seabeds and Earth's upper mantle, reading the planet's history inscribed in the rocks.

For space enthusiasts, the two- to three-hour Space Camp invites children to explore the solar system, impact cratering, a hands-on comet workshop, and guided stargazing under Mleiha's clear skies. Meanwhile, the Sounds of the Past workshop allows children to step back thousands of years to learn the art of flint knapping and to visit the very sites where ancient ancestors crafted their stone tools.

For a full day of immersive learning, the Standard Educational Package includes a guided museum tour, a brief visual presentation by the education team, the Flora and Fauna workshop, Flint Knapping, Fossil Fun and Sand Table Excavation, and a site visit to Faya Mountain. Families and schools are invited to book these enriching experiences to inspire the next generation of explorers, scientists, and historians.

For information on official access points, booking, and current programmes, please visit www.discovershurooq.ae or call +971 6 883 111.