Mleiha

You might wonder why Mleiha since 2017 has become an increasingly promoted excursion from Sharjah/Dubai? The interpretation and programing at Mleiha is exceptional. In February 2023, four new tentative nominations emerged from the Emirate of Sharjah. According to our guide, the Ruler of Sharjah and his daughter are obsessed with Archaeology and deeply invested in the discoveries at Mleiha.

To visit Mleiha and specifically to have access to each historic component you must visit the Mleiha Archaeological Centre and reserve the Archaeology Tour (in advance online), but probably no trouble to arrive on-site and pay then. We had reserved both of our tours well in advance, each tour related to TWHS nominations (Mleiha and Faya). We were more intrigued by the Faya Palaeolandscape, while Mleiha gave us more to "see". Our total experience was from about 2pm to 9pm, including travel from Dubai, both tours, and staying for the "panorama lounge" and stargazing, which was a free add-on (they weren't busy). The Mleiha Archaeological Centre does give a well-presented overview of the discoveries and value of the collection of archaeological sites. The women at the front desk were excited to have us and with enthusiasm welcomed us to Mleiha.

I think Mleiha can likely satisfy ICOMOS with criteria (ii) and criteria (iii). The discoveries at Mleiha are so recent that much of the story and its meaning continues to evolve. Below is the criteria proposed:

Criteria (ii): "The mortuary practices and funerary architecture discovered at …