Mleiha National Park records over 100 species of flora, fauna
These include 20+ bird species, 10+ reptile species, 11 mammal species, 39 insect and arachnid species, and 20+ native plant species solidifying Mleiha's position as one of the most ecologically rich and diverse environments in the Arabian Peninsula.
Mleiha National Park, an ecological, ecotourism, and conservation destination in the heart of Sharjah's central region, spans 34.2 square kilometres of protected desert terrain and is operated by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
Established by Emiri decree, Mleiha has become a living desert museum, home to rare fossils, ancient artefacts, and thriving biodiversity. These findings affirm its role as a cornerstone of Sharjah's long-term strategy for conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable development.
Mleiha National Park
Ecological engineers of the desert
With 20+ documented native plant species, Mleiha's flora is not only diverse but essential to the park's ecosystem. These plants have evolved to withstand extreme arid conditions, playing critical roles in desert resilience. Key species such as the Ghaf Tree (Prosopis cineraria), Umbrella Thorn Acacia (Vachellia tortilis), and Sodom's Apple (Calotropis procera) contribute to soil stabilisation, regulate moisture retention, and create microhabitats for smaller species. Other important flora like Dune Grass and Arfaj help anchor sand dunes and provide seasonal fodder for herbivores.
Mammals, reptiles and birds
The fauna of Mleiha includes 11+ species of mammals adapted to desert conditions, including the Arabian Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes arabica) and Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica). Among its 10 reptile species are elusive desert dwellers like the Sandfish Skink (Scincus mitranus) and the Arabian Horned Viper (Cerastes gasperettii).
The biodiversity of Mleiha National Park is a natural capital that drives tourism.
Birdwatchers can observe 20+ species of birds year-round, including Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and migratory visitors that use Mleiha as a seasonal stopover.
Insects and arachnids
With 39+ identified species, the park's insect and arachnid population includes key contributors to pollination, soil health, and natural pest control. These invertebrates form the foundation of many food chains within the park.
The fauna of Mleiha includes over 11 species of mammals, including the Arabian Red Fox.
Highlights include the Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa pubescens), one of the largest native bees and a vital pollinator; the venomous Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda), a desert predator; and the Blue Pansy Butterfly (Junonia orithya), which plays a seasonal role in pollination. Lesser-known species like antlions, ground mantises, and camel spiders also contribute to the delicate ecological balance.
Public engagement and education
Visitors to Mleiha can experience this biodiversity through curated activities such as nature trails, fossil and flora walks, and wildlife observation. These programmes are central to the park's mission to promote environmental awareness and support the UAE's long-term sustainability goals.
Biodiversity as a growth asset
'What makes Mleiha exceptional is its ability to merge ecological significance with economic value,' said Omar Jasim Al Ali, Manager, Mleiha and Strategic Projects. 'The biodiversity of this landscape is a natural capital that drives tourism, supports conservation-linked livelihoods, and enhances Sharjah's reputation as a regional leader in sustainable development. Protecting and showcasing these species responsibly is both an environmental responsibility and a long-term economic strategy.'
Mleiha National Park remains open year-round, welcoming nature lovers, researchers, students, and travellers to discover the rich biodiversity of the UAE's inland desert.
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It reminded me of the desert in the UAE with a random Ghaf tree casting shadows on the sand. What has kept you in the UAE for over three decades? It is the country that has kept me here. It might get hot and there might be too much dust at times, but it is a special place, special people. The UAE also has pride in its identity which I admire, something that many western countries could look on as an example. It has looked after me. Ghaf Tree. What is the advantage of not having formally learned art? Not to be bound by convention, not to be confused with what you are told, as opposed to what you feel. Watercolour was the medium I first chose, and now many years later, I am well immersed in oil painting. It is only now that I listen to other 'formally' trained artists on social media and compare my notes and my experiences. Not all of it I agree with or follow. How has Africa influenced you as an artist? The land influenced me. 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My painting sessions are grabbed when I am not working in my day-to-day profession or spending time with my family. Hence why I believe I am an experimentalist painter. Night Walk. Who are the fellow artists you look up to? Why? Maynard Dixon, an American West landscape painter. His paintings of big open spaces have always made me pause and look long at his work. He was a minimalist landscape artist, who created big open vistas of the American West, using a subdued colour palette. Very similar to the UAE desert landscapes. Another artist is Andrew Wyeth, also an American artist. He was known as a realist in his style. Besides the sands, what is your Emirati muse as an artist? The Ghaf tree. Strong, resilient and silent. When the wind blows, you can hear it whispering quietly to you. It is a complex tree to paint, its canopy is multi-faceted in shape and subtle colour, all balanced on a rough trunk. The time of day also changes its character. They are the ancient sentinels of the sands. The isolation of these trees has always drawn me to them. Wind Whisperer. Is there a link between aircraft maintenance and art? Yeah, I think there is. Both require your hands, your eyes and your brain. You need to be able to 'think' with your hands at the same time as engaging the brain. There is a natural pride when you walk past your finished painting or when you see the aircraft that you have just worked on, takeoff and fly.
