Mleiha National Park Opens In Sharjah

Mleiha National Park, open in Sharjah, provides Paragliding and overnight camping.

The park is divided into at least three separate areas and will be a first-of-a-kind protected area in the Emirates. From paragliding to overnight camping, UAE residents can soon enjoy various activities at the Mleiha National Park when it opens in Sharjah. The construction and development of the park are underway, and fencing of the park's 34 km premises will be completed by the third quarter of the year.

The park is divided into at least three separate areas. It will be a first-of-its-kind protected area in the emirate of Sharjah that promotes the conservation of the emirate's natural history and the preservation of its archaeological past. Ahmad Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, revealed the details during a call to the Sharjah TVs Direct Line program. Sharjah's central region is being developed as a national park following an Emiri Decree issued earlier this week by Sheikh Dr Suktan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Different zones covered

The Mleiha National Park includes three separate areas: the Core Conservation Zone, which will focus on preventing the natural environment and supporting wildlife; the Ecotourism Zone, which will offer eco-stay adventures and educational activities; and the Hybrid Zine, which will serve as a middle ground for conservation and sustainable tourism practice. It will allow the general public areas to experience its scenic beauty and historical relevance through sustainable tourism and ecotourism practices, "Here in Sharjah, which is endowed with immense historical and natural wealth, we continually strive to boost its global status as a top destination for investment and tourism in the historical and cultural sectors," said Al Qaseer.

Archaeologists unearthed the earliest evidence of human occupation outside Africa in certain parts of Mleiha. This discovery made it one of the region's oldest historical and anthropological heritage sites and is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee list.

"We welcome the world to discover fascinating remnants of some of the earliest human settlements from over 200,000 years ago that were established here in the UAE," said Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi Chairperson of Shurooq. "The Mleiha National Park will be a living and lasting testimony of the formative role and unparalleled significance of the UAE and the region to global civilizational history."

Conservation at its heart

The park will introduce a wide-ranging program of educational and recreational activities and opportunities for scientific research. However, with conservation at its heart, numerous activities are prohibited in the area. Hunting, transporting, or taking any organisms or organic materials damaging or destroying geological or geographic formations or regions that are shelter to animal or plant species or for their reproduction pollution of soil water or air military maneuvers and shooting training and cutting or destroying trees or plants or eroding the soil are all forbidden. It also prohibits leisure and entertainment activities or sports that may kill, harm, or erode the soil. It also bans leisure and entertainment activities or sports that may kill, harm, or negatively affect wildlife. The destination's existing assets, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre moon retreat, Al Faya Retreat, Sky Adventures, Glamping Area, and Mleiha Camping Site, will continue to be integral parts of the national park to offer visitors unique experiences.

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