Sharjah24: The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), in collaboration with the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage, the ASSALAM Organisation for the Protection of Maritime Heritage in Morocco, and the University of Khorfakkan, inaugurated the sixth edition of the World Coastal Forum under the theme “Coastal and Underwater Cultural Heritage – Challenges and Perspectives: Sharjah’s Coasts as a Model.”
The event, held on November 9-10 at the University of Khorfakkan, aims to highlight the importance of coastal and underwater cultural heritage as a historical treasure reflecting the region’s rich history and culture. Through a series of discussion sessions and research presentations, the forum addresses current challenges, explores future opportunities, and shares international experiences in heritage protection and documentation.
The opening ceremony was attended His Excellency Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), Prof Ali Al Naqbi, Chancellor of the University of Khorfakkan, and Dr Sabah Abboud Jasim, advisor to the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Al Naqbi, Director of Khorfakkan Municipality, His Excellency Dr. Saif Khamis Al Naqbi, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Sharjah Maritime Academy and Her Excellency Sheikha Ali Al Naqbi, Member of the Consultative Council of the Emirate of Sharjah, Vice Chancellor of the University for Financial and Administrative Affairs. The event included a documentary film showcasing Sharjah’s coastal sites and key maritime trade routes, from the third millennium BCE to the modern era.
A Strategic Platform for Global Expertise in Service of Cultural Heritage
His Excellency Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), commented: “This forum represents an important step in Sharjah’s efforts to establish itself as a global center for knowledge in cultural heritage. It paves the way for international partnerships that bring coastal and underwater heritage to the forefront of international interest, realizing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to make Sharjah a beacon of knowledge and cultural development. This innovative forum enables a global dialogue for the protection of these cultural treasures.”
He added, “Being held for the first time in West Asia, this forum serves as a strategic platform that unites forward-looking vision and global expertise to serve humanity’s shared heritage and enrich the global cultural landscape. At the SAA, we are committed to finding sustainable solutions that safeguard coastal and underwater heritage, a crucial part of our cultural identity, and to presenting this heritage to the world as a symbol of our authenticity and a bridge for cultural exchange.”
Supporting Marine Science and Technology Research Efforts
Prof Ali Al Naqbi, Chancellor of the University of Khorfakkan, expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the forum’s goals, which include empowering researchers in marine sciences and technology—a rising field that aligns with the evolving needs of the modern world. He highlighted that the University of Khorfakkan is the first in the UAE to offer an integrated marine sciences program, leveraging the unique geographical location of Khorfakkan along the shores of the Gulf of Oman, making it an ideal setting for studying marine life in its natural habitat. Collaborating with the University of Exeter, one of the world’s leading universities, he added, “The University of Khorfakkan will continue its academic and research role, led by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, ensuring that its doors remain open to knowledge and excellence on national, regional, and international levels.”
Diverse International Participation
The opening session featured two scientific papers from international experts. Professor Rui Carita, Emeritus Professor at the University of Madeira, Portugal, presented “Underwater Cultural Heritage in Sharjah,” which highlighted two archaeological missions conducted in Sharjah in November 2018 and December 2021. Dr. Jun Kimura, maritime archaeologist and associate professor at Tokai University in Japan, discussed Islamic maritime trade along the Silk Road, including the discovery of the “Chau Tan” shipwreck in Vietnam, as well as various preservation challenges and proposed solutions.
Dr. Laila Character from the United States presented a paper on machine learning with sonar technology for detecting underwater shipwrecks. Researcher Moussa WELE from Senegal examined the implementation of the 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage in Sub-Saharan Africa and highlighted the potential for collaboration with the Arab region to bolster these efforts.
Virtual Reality Technology for Heritage Preservation
The Sharjah Archaeology Authority also presented a special information technology showcase, including virtual reality technologies designed to document and study archaeological sites and artifacts, utilizing the latest technological tools.
Exploring Heritage Preservation Efforts
The concluding session included papers from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Faisal Al-Jabrin and Mr. Faris Hamzi from the Saudi Heritage Authority discussed efforts to explore the submerged heritage along the Red Sea coast. The second paper from the UAE was presented by Dr. Henrik Stahl, Dean of the College of Marine Sciences and Aquatic Biology at the University of Khorfakkan, exploring marine science education and the integration of research and heritage conservation in Sharjah.
Expanding Cooperation and International Exchange in Underwater Cultural Heritage
Sharjah’s coastal and underwater cultural heritage plays a pivotal role in the emirate’s historical legacy, with its coastlines extending along the Arabian Gulf to the west and the Gulf of Oman to the east, reflecting its strategic location through the ages. This historical depth has brought unique importance to the efforts of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, which conducts advanced archaeological surveys in collaboration with global institutions to document and preserve this invaluable heritage. Through the International Coastal Forum, the SAA seeks to foster regional and international cooperation, promoting specialized research to support ocean sciences, enhance knowledge, and raise awareness of this heritage as a vital element of shared human identity.
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