Mleiha Archaeological Centre / Dabbagh Architects

Scripted around a 4,000-year-old tomb, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre is located in the desert of Sharjah at the foot of Fossil Rock Mountain. The Centre is at the heart of a larger ecotourism development focused on local wildlife, desert activities, and the area’s archaeological riches. Bringing together an indoor museum and a café with outdoor walkways, desert gardens, and contemplation areas, the center is an example of the enriching role that architecture plays when committed consideration for context is taken during the design process.