Riyadh, August 29, 2024, The 23rd Scientific Forum of the Gulf Society for History and Archaeology in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries was inaugurated today in Riyadh. The Heritage Commission is hosting the event in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah). The forum has attracted the participation of 300 researchers in the fields of history and archaeology.
CEO of Darah Turki bin Mohammad Al-Shuwaier stated that the forum reflects the collaborative efforts between GCC countries in preserving their antiquities and history. He emphasized Darah's commitment to supporting the forum's success and enhancing its efforts to highlight the region's civilizational heritage.
President of the Society Yusuf Ibrahim Al-Abdullah and Secretary-General Dr. Ahmed bin Omar Al-Zil'ai confirmed that the society's foundations have significantly contributed to supporting scientific endeavors in historical and archaeological fields in the region. They noted that the theses presented at the forum include serious research and scientific papers.
In his speech, President of the Heritage Commission Dr. Jasir Al-Harbash highlighted the importance of the society's efforts in preserving the Gulf region's historical and archaeological heritage. He also praised the Heritage Commission's achievements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the recognition of the Kingdom's antiquities, such as the Al-Faw Archaeological Area and the At-Turaif district in Diriyah, on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List.
During the forum's opening, Dr. Al-Harbash announced the honorees for this session: CEO of Darah Turki bin Mohammad Al-Shuwaier, CEO of the Heritage Commission, Secretary-General of the Gulf Society for History and Archaeology Dr. Ahmed bin Omar Al-Zil'ai, and Director General of Archaeological Research and Studies at the Heritage Commission Dr. Abdullah Al-Zahrani.
The forum's first day featured 19 scientific papers divided into three discussion sessions. These sessions covered a range of topics related to the history and cultural heritage of the GCC countries, from prehistoric times to Islamic eras. The sessions also explored modern and contemporary history of the Gulf region and discussed key issues in the history of the Arabian Peninsula.
The 23rd Scientific GCC Society for History and Archaeology Forum aims to foster scientific thinking in the fields of history and archaeology. It provides a platform to present and discuss specialized scientific research, contribute to the development of heritage work methodologies, and exchange scientific knowledge and practical experiences among institutions in the member states.
