If you thought the desert was empty, Mleiha National Park will blow your mind. This stunning 34.2 sq km protected paradise in Sharjah is part eco-attraction, part open-air museum, and part wildlife sanctuary, and it’s absolutely bursting with life. We’re talking more than 100 species roaming, soaring, crawling, and fluttering around, from majestic raptors and elusive sand foxes to unique desert plants, reptiles, insects, and even butterflies.

So if you’re a UAE resident or a visitor planning a weekend escape, consider this your sign. And with the weather finally turning perfect, there’s no better time to get outdoors. Mleiha isn’t just a pretty spot for sunrise hikes and stargazing; it’s one of the most biodiverse landscapes in the entire Arabian Peninsula, waiting for you to explore it.

A desert that’s very much alive

The new assessment confirms:

• More than 20 bird species
• Over 10  reptile species
• 11 mammals
• 39 insects and arachnids
• 20 plus native plants

It’s the kind of biodiversity you’d expect in a remote mountain forest, not a desert. But that’s what makes Mleiha so special: it’s a living reminder that the UAE’s inland desert has its own rhythm, its own characters, and its own secrets.

Meet the quiet heroes of the desert: the plants

Mleiha’s native plants aren’t just pretty to look at, they’re the foundation of the entire ecosystem.
The park is home to hardy desert icons:

• Ghaf trees
• Umbrella Thorn Acacia
• Sodom’s Apple
• Dune grasses and desert shrubs

These plants stabilise dunes, create shade, trap moisture, and sustain dozens of species. They’re nature’s version of desert engineers.

The wildlife: foxes, skinks, gazelles and more

If you’re lucky, you might spot the Arabian Red Fox slipping between the dunes or the elegant Sand Gazelle grazing at dawn.
Reptile lovers can look out for:

• Sandfish Skinks: They literally swim through sand
• Arabian Horned Vipers: Masters of camouflage

And for birdwatchers, Mleiha is a dream. Bonelli’s Eagles, kestrels, sunbirds, and migratory visitors use this region as an important stopover throughout the year.

Tiny but mighty: Insects and arachnids

With over 39 species, the desert’s smallest inhabitants play big roles,  pollinating plants, keeping pests in check, and maintaining soil health.

Keep an eye out for:

• Carpenter Bees (huge and beautiful)
• Blue Pansy Butterflies
• Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpions
• Antlions, mantises, camel spiders

It’s like walking through a live documentary.

A park built for explorers

What’s great about Mleiha is how accessible it is. You don’t need to be a scientist to appreciate the biodiversity, the park offers:

• guided nature and fossil walks
• flora trails
• wildlife-spotting experiences
• eco-learning sessions for kids and families

It’s an easy, educational, and fun escape, and just over an hour’s drive from Sharjah or Dubai.

Plan your weekend

Mleiha is open year-round, and winter is the best time to visit. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, fossils, wildlife, or simply quiet nature escapes, this is the UAE’s wilderness at its best, raw, real, and full of life.