Mleiha Archaeological Centre

Mleiha sits in the desert plain below the Hajar foothills and has been occupied for a very long time: Palaeolithic tools, Umm an-Nar period tombs of the third millennium BC, and a substantial Iron Age and pre-Islamic settlement with a fort, coin minting and camel burials. The centre is built directly over one of the circular Umm an-Nar tombs so it can be seen in place beneath the floor, and it runs guided trips out to the fort, the tombs and the surrounding fossil dunes.

What you actually see

• The Umm an-Nar tomb - a third-millennium BC circular tomb shown in place under the centre.
• The pre-Islamic fort - the remains of the fortified settlement out in the plain.
• The camel burials - excavated graves of camels buried with their owners.
• The desert tours - guided runs to the outlying sites and dunes.

When to go

October to April; the desert is dangerously hot from May to September. Early morning and late afternoon tours are the most comfortable. Tours must be booked and do not run continuously.

Honest expectations

The outlying sites can only be reached on the centre's own tours, which cost extra and must be booked. There is very little to see without them. Summer closes much of the programme.

Nearby

Fossil Rock is north, and Al Madam is west.