Sharjah Ruler Launches "Mleiha: Ancient Treasures of the UAE" with Shurooq-Assouline Collaboration

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : Sharjah Govt Media Bureau

At the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, celebrated a pivotal moment for UAE heritage by unveiling *Mleiha: Ancient Treasures of the UAE*. This landmark publication, produced by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in partnership with Assouline Publishing, chronicles the 200,000-year-old history of the Mleiha region, which has long been recognized as a crucial part of the UAE’s cultural fabric.

The launch ceremony took place during His Highness's tour at the opening of the book fair, where he signed the inaugural copy of the book, marking his personal commitment to preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage. The event was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Shurooq, who emphasized the importance of the book in showcasing the values and heritage that have shaped the identity of Sharjah and the UAE. She remarked, “This book offers a window into the values and heritage that shape our identity in Sharjah and the UAE.”

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The book highlights Mleiha’s historical and archaeological significance, spanning the region’s evolution from early human settlement over 200,000 years ago to its thriving role as a center of trade and innovation in the Arabian Peninsula. Mleiha is now recognized on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites, thanks to its extensive collection of Bronze Age tombs, pre-Islamic forts, and numerous artefacts. These discoveries reveal the stories of civilizations that thrived in this desert region, making Mleiha a vital piece of the UAE’s heritage.

The publication is the result of collaborative efforts involving the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, as well as international specialists and creative talents. Notable contributors to the book include His Excellency Issa Yousef, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, and Dr. Bruno Overlaet, an advisor from the Royal Museums of Art and History. The book also features contributions from renowned photographer Eric Van Nynatten and French artist Amy Elena Nash, who have added a visual dimension to the publication, blending intellectual rigor with artistic flair.

*Mleiha: Ancient Treasures of the UAE* is a large-format, luxuriously crafted coffee table book designed by Assouline Publishing. It is a fusion of historical storytelling and visual artistry that immerses readers in Mleiha’s profound legacy as an essential stop for early human migration. This beautifully illustrated book is not only a scholarly resource but also an aesthetic masterpiece that has broad appeal to readers, researchers, and cultural institutions worldwide.

The book also serves as an educational tool and an artistic achievement, presenting an in-depth look at the archaeological significance of Mleiha and its place in global history. As an invaluable resource for scholars, historians, collectors, and general readers alike, the book enriches the understanding of Mleiha’s cultural and historical impact. It further strengthens Sharjah’s position as a cultural hub and promotes Mleiha as a destination that blends heritage, culture, and eco-tourism.

This publication represents a milestone in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to preserve and share its rich history with the world, further solidifying Mleiha’s place as one of the UAE's most important historical sites.

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