‘Archaeology of the Arabian Gulf’ discusses ways to preserve region's cultural heritage

emirates7 - The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), in partnership with the American University of Sharjah, successfully wrapped up the International Symposium on "Archaeology of the Arabian Gulf."

The event aimed to foster collaboration among archaeologists from Gulf countries and other Arab nations, focusing on recent archaeological findings and strategies to protect the region's cultural heritage.

Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the SAA, expressed pride in the symposium's productive outcomes, noting that it brought together prominent experts and researchers from across the Gulf and Arab world. He emphasized that archaeology is more than just the study of historical remains—it acts as a bridge between the past and the future. The research and discussions showcased invaluable aspects of Gulf cultural heritage and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in preserving these historical treasures.

Yousif further noted that the use of advanced technologies in excavation and documentation, combined with continued collaboration between academic and research institutions, is key to safeguarding these historical sites for future generations. He added that this symposium marks the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at raising the Gulf's profile on the global heritage stage.

He reiterated SAA’s dedication to increasing public awareness of heritage’s significance and to organizing more events that promote research and the sharing of expertise among archaeologists. This will help ensure the preservation of the region’s history while enriching the present with its rich cultural legacy.

The symposium featured scientific sessions with research papers from Gulf and Arab nations and concluded with several recommendations to strengthen regional cooperation in preserving cultural and archaeological heritage. Key suggestions included promoting collaboration between academic institutions and establishing partnerships among universities and research bodies in the Arabian Gulf for joint archaeological research.

The recommendations also underscored the importance of modern technology in archaeological work, advocating for advanced tools in excavation and preservation to ensure precise documentation of discoveries. Additionally, there was a call to integrate archaeological heritage into development plans, emphasizing the need to incorporate heritage preservation into urban development strategies to protect cultural assets amid rapid modernization.