SAA concludes Intl symposium archaeology of Arabian Gulf

Priceless Treasures of Gulf Cultural Heritage: Importance of Regional Cooperation
Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), expressed pride in the fruitful results achieved through the symposium, stating: "We are proud of the productive outcomes of this international symposium, which brought together a distinguished group of researchers and experts in archaeology from the Gulf and the Arab world. This confirms that archaeology is not merely about historical remains; it serves as a bridge linking the past with the future. The discussions and research presented unveiled priceless treasures of Gulf cultural heritage and underscored the importance of cooperation among the region's countries in preserving these historical riches."

He added: "Through the use of the latest technologies in excavation and documentation, and continued collaboration between academic and research institutions, we are capable of safeguarding these historical sites for future generations. Furthermore, integrating heritage preservation into sustainable development plans ensures that it becomes an integral part of our daily lives. This symposium is not an end but the beginning of a series of initiatives that will enhance the Gulf's presence on the global heritage map."

Eisa Yousif, emphasized the SAA's commitment to continuing its efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of heritage and to organizing more events that support research and exchange of expertise among archaeologists, to ensure the preservation of the region’s history and enrich the present with its rich legacies.

Latest Archaeological Discoveries
The symposium included a series of scientific sessions featuring research papers from various Gulf and Arab countries. 

Notable Regional and International Participation
The symposium also saw notable contributions from Jordan, presenting a paper titled "Experiences and Initiatives Adopted by Jordan to Protect Tangible Heritage," showcasing the nation's efforts in heritage preservation. Saudi researchers also presented papers, sharing their latest experiences and projects aimed at protecting Saudi Arabia's archaeological heritage.

Closing Recommendations
The symposium concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing regional cooperation in cultural and archaeological heritage preservation. Key recommendations included promoting scientific collaboration between academic institutions and developing partnerships between universities and research institutions across the Arabian Gulf to exchange expertise and conduct joint archaeological research.

The recommendations also emphasized the importance of utilizing modern technology in archaeological research, stressing the need for advanced technology integration in excavation and preservation efforts to protect and document discoveries accurately. Integrating archaeological heritage into development plans was also highlighted, with calls to include heritage preservation in urban development strategies to safeguard cultural heritage amidst rapid advancements.

Additionally, the symposium underscored the need for public awareness campaigns and educational programs to highlight the importance of preserving archaeological sites, encouraging long-term strategies to protect these sites from the impacts of climate change.

In conclusion, the International Symposium on the Archaeology of the Arabian Gulf succeeded in shedding light on the richness of the region’s heritage and reinforcing the need for continued collaboration to preserve it for future generations.