Mleiha Overnight Camp in Sharjah: Desert Camping with Stargazing

Sleep under the desert sky, then drive out for sunrise at Fossil Rock

An overnight camping experience at Mleiha in Sharjah's desert, set between the peaks of Faya and Fossil Rock. You arrive in the evening for a 20-minute stargazing session and BBQ dinner under the stars, sleep in the camp, wake for a sunrise drive and short walk around Fossil Rock, then return for breakfast. A professional English-speaking guide leads the experience. Children from age 5 are welcome with an adult.

The experience

The camp sits in open desert with views of the surrounding peaks, so the evening starts with stargazing before a BBQ dinner that includes chicken wings, lamb kofta, shish tawook and vegetable kebab, with rice, roast potatoes and vegetable curry on the side. You spend the night in the camp, then wake early for an air-conditioned 4x4 sunrise drive and a short walk around the vistas of Fossil Rock before returning for breakfast. The whole experience runs about 13 hours from arrival to departure.

A professional guide in English leads the stargazing and the sunrise outing, and the package includes coffee or tea, bottled water and light refreshments throughout. If you want to add more to the desert time, a sunset safari drive or dune buggy adventure can be booked on site, each lasting about 20 minutes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an additional fee arranged directly with Mleiha.

Moderate fitness is needed for the walking and the early start. Vegetarian meals are available if you request them at booking, and children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. Wear light, comfortable clothing and closed shoes for the desert terrain.

What’s included

• 20-minute stargazing session.
• BBQ dinner with chicken, lamb and vegetable kebab, rice, roast potatoes and vegetable curry.
• breakfast the following morning.
• sunrise drive in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle.
• short walk around Fossil Rock.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• coffee, tea and bottled water.
• light refreshments throughout the stay.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Mleiha National Park

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you follow the commentary and the stargazing explanation comfortably. The overnight format means you commit to the full desert experience from evening through sunrise, so book this if you want to sleep under the stars rather than return to the city the same night.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens during the 20-minute stargazing session?

Stargazing is included in the evening before dinner and is subject to weather conditions. The guide points out constellations and features of the night sky visible from the desert camp.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear or sleeping bag?

The camp is fully equipped, so you arrive and settle into the accommodation provided. Bring light, comfortable clothing and closed shoes for walking around Fossil Rock at sunrise.

What time does the sunrise drive leave, and how long does it take?

The sunrise drive is included in the package and departs early in the morning in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle. The drive is followed by a short walk around Fossil Rock before you return to the camp for breakfast.

Can I book a buggy adventure or sunset safari if I want to do more?

Yes, a dune buggy adventure and sunset safari drive are available as add-ons, each lasting about 20 minutes. You can book these on site when you arrive or arrange them in advance through the Mleiha website.