This is what we learned visiting the recently opened archeological museum and outdoor extravaganza at Mleiha.

We never really think about life in this way, but humans are made from the same chemical matter as stars. Actually, about 93% of the mass in our body would originate from stardust.† At Mlehia, you can spend an evening star gazing and explore the award winning museum showcasing evidence of early human activity from pre-historic times in the region.

A truly well done experience, we spent an enjoyable hour going through the various museum exhibits showcasing neolithic remains and artifacts. My kids were recently studying this time period at school which added greatly to our interest. The most fascinating for me was a short video explaining the ingenuity of early man as they dug underground trenchs to tap water sources that would flow into the falaj system to irrigate date palms.

It was also great fun to visit the outdoor caves where neolithic men fabricated flint tools and at  other times cremated human remains. Excavations have been ongoing over the last few decades to unearth a real treasure trove of history. Why do people believe there is no culture here when our earliest ancestors roamed these parts after leaving Africa?

In addition to poking your head in and out of small caves, there are the ruins of a palace, and old farmhouse and tombs from the Bronze Age to explore. They have many options for adventure with overnight camping,  cycling in the dunes, horse or camel rides and sunset barbecues.  Mleiha makes for an amazing day out and I would recommend getting there by lunchtime to see the whole place. Plus they have a nice restaurant to boot!

Hats off to Ajmal, Education Manager and Nirmal, Education Coordinator for their fantastic work greeting visitors and making the time spent a Mleiha a real pleasure. I would have to vote Mleiha as one of the best excursions we’ve had in the UAE this year.

In 2017, I highly recommend that you @discovermleiha. Check out their website to plan your visit. On your way back, heading toward Madam, make a quick stop at Jebel Al Buhais, another archeological site. It’s well worth the short hike up to the top of the fort ruins !

† Physics Central – How much of the human body is made up of stardust?
http://www.physicscentral.com/explore/poster-stardust.cfm