SAA reviews its digital documentation of archaeological sites

The symposium was attended by Issa Yousef, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority; Sheikh Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Director of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH); Engineer Dr. Jad Tabet, World Heritage Expert; and Khuloud Al-Houli Al-Suwaidi, Director of the Tangible Cultural Heritage Department at the SAA, in addition to a group of academics, archaeologists, researchers and world heritage experts.

During the symposium, the Authority highlighted the documentation of rock art in the Arabian Peninsula, which spans seven thousand years. They emphasised the importance of creating detailed, accurate records to preserve these historical and cultural scenes, even as physical landscapes evolve due to environmental changes, natural hazards, or human activities.

Kholoud Al-Houli Al-Suwaidi outlined the Sharjah Archaeology Authority’s holistic approach to digital documentation. She highlighted how the integration of traditional and manual techniques offers a 360-degree view of the emirate’s treasures and archaeological sites, aiming to preserve and globally share its cultural heritage.

She also threw light in the Authority’s dedication to clear strategic goals for preserving and documenting cultural heritage. This includes making information accessible to the local community, the public, and academics, publishing related studies, and balancing preservation efforts between advanced digital methods—such as 3D technologies and satellite images of rock carvings—and traditional manual techniques. The latter remain crucial, as demonstrated by the successful dating of rock carvings using manual methods.

During the symposium, Marisa Giorgi, a leading expert in the field, presented a comprehensive view on using technology to create detailed and accurate digital records for preserving cultural heritage. Dr. Angelo Fossati, a rock art specialist at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan and President of the International Federation of Rock Art Organisations (IFRAO), discussed the integration of traditional methods with digital technologies in rock art documentation. He emphasised the importance of combining these approaches to ensure accurate and sustainable records, creating a valuable database for future researchers, as rock art can only be precisely dated through traditional manual techniques.

Kamyar Kamyab, Historic Conservation Architect, discussed his experience with creating high-resolution digital maps of historical cultural scenes, highlighting how this technology has transformed the study and documentation of historical monuments. He emphasised the value of 3D data and satellite images in preserving crucial information about archaeological sites and historical environments.

The symposium featured a presentation on digital cultural scenes, virtual reality, and metaverse experiences through the Sharjah Archaeology Authority’s "Archaeology Centre in the Metaverse" project. This initiative offers a realistic simulation of archaeological sites in Sharjah using virtual reality technology. Attendees can explore simulated rock engravings, learn about the tools used, and experience the "Jebel Khatm Malaha Archaeological Trail," which showcases over 120 Neolithic rock engravings. This project is a pioneering effort among cultural heritage institutions in the region.

Issa Yousef stated that organising this symposium reflects our strong commitment to preserving Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage, aligning with the directives and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and supporting the Authority's strategy for sustainability and cultural heritage preservation.

He explained that employing digital methods represents a historic advancement in preserving cultural heritage more accurately and sustainably. This approach supports the Sharjah Archaeology Authority’s goal of sharing knowledge globally on leveraging modern technologies for cultural documentation and protection. By ensuring the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage to future generations, we affirm our belief that human cultural heritage serves as a bridge between cultures and peoples. We view this as a shared responsibility requiring collective effort and are proud to contribute to this global initiative.

He emphasised that technological advancements are crucial for advancing digital preservation methods in heritage. The symposium served as a valuable platform for academics and specialists from the Authority to showcase their efforts in documenting archaeological artifacts and sites to a group of international experts.

In February 2023, the Sharjah Archaeology Authority added the emirate’s rock carving sites to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. This includes the rock carvings at Khatm Al Malaha, Khorfakkan, and Wadi Al Helo, which highlight Bronze Age copper mining in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as the "Prehistoric Cultural Landscape of Al Faya," a key Stone Age site globally. The Authority has also documented over 500 artifacts using 3D, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies, catalogued 300 rock carvings and 35 3D archaeological sites, and delivered more than 100 academic lectures to 7,600 attendees. Additionally, it has published 80 works, including annual excavation reports, archaeological books, and academic articles.