**Titular:** *Jeddah Hosts Underwater Heritage Conference*

**Intro:** The Heritage Commission launched its Scientific Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage in Jeddah (January 15, 2024), uniting global experts to explore maritime archaeology and preservation. Dr. Jasser Al-Harbash underscored its role in tracing Saudi Arabia’s historical ties with ancient civilizations through Red Sea and Gulf discoveries.

**Factbox:**
– **When/Where:** Jan 15, 2024 | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
– **Organizer:** Heritage Commission (Ministry of Culture)
– **Participants:** Researchers from 14 countries, archaeologists, heritage specialists
– **Focus:** Red Sea/Arabian Gulf surveys, international collaboration, preserving submerged cultural sites.

**Unveiling the Past: Saudi Arabia Hosts Groundbreaking Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage**

*Jeddah, January 15, 2024* — The Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has launched the *Scientific Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage*, a landmark event uniting global minds to explore the mysteries and significance of submerged historical treasures. With participation from researchers, archaeologists, and heritage experts across 14 nations, the conference underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding its underwater legacy as a vital thread in the fabric of human history.

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### **A Dive into National Identity and Global Connections**
In his opening address, Dr. Jasser Al-Harbash, CEO of the Heritage Commission, highlighted the profound role of underwater cultural heritage in shaping national identity. “These submerged sites are not merely relics of the past—they are living testaments to the historical exchanges between the Kingdom and ancient civilizations,” he stated. From sunken trade vessels to forgotten ports, these artifacts illuminate Saudi Arabia’s millennia-old role as a crossroads of commerce and culture, bridging continents via the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

The commission’s efforts align with Vision 2030’s goals to celebrate cultural heritage as a pillar of national pride and global dialogue. By prioritizing underwater archaeology, Saudi Arabia aims to weave these narratives into its broader historical tapestry, fostering public awareness and academic inquiry.

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### **Collaboration Across Borders: A Platform for Innovation**
The conference serves as a dynamic hub for knowledge exchange, featuring cutting-edge research and technological advancements in marine archaeology. International experts shared insights on methodologies for locating, documenting, and preserving fragile underwater sites, which face threats from climate change, looting, and industrial activity.

Dr. Al-Harbash praised the dedication of research teams conducting surveys in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf—regions historically teeming with maritime activity. “These waters hold stories of ancient traders, pearl divers, and explorers,” he noted. Collaborative projects with global institutions are already yielding discoveries, such as shipwrecks laden with ceramics and navigational tools, offering clues to pre-modern trade networks.

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### **Preservation Meets Progress: Technology’s Role**
A key focus of the conference was the intersection of tradition and innovation. Sessions showcased technologies like 3D mapping, remote sensing, and AI-driven analysis, which enable researchers to study sites without disturbing their delicate ecosystems. Saudi Arabia’s investment in these tools reflects its ambition to lead in ethical heritage preservation while promoting sustainable tourism.

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### **A Call to Protect Humanity’s Shared Legacy**
Beyond academia, the conference emphasized community engagement. Dr. Al-Harbash urged nations to view underwater heritage as a “shared responsibility,” advocating for stricter international laws to combat illegal salvage operations. Local initiatives, such as training Saudi archaeologists in underwater excavation techniques, were also highlighted as critical steps toward building domestic expertise.

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### **Looking Ahead: From Depths to Discovery**
As the conference concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to transforming research into actionable preservation strategies. The Heritage Commission announced plans to expand exploration in the Red Sea, alongside partnerships with UNESCO and other global bodies to protect these vulnerable sites.

By championing its underwater heritage, Saudi Arabia not only honors its ancestors but also invites the world to rediscover the submerged chapters of human civilization—one artifact at a time.

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*For more updates on Saudi Arabia’s cultural initiatives, follow the Heritage Commission and explore their digital archives of underwater discoveries.*

**15 FAQs on the “Scientific Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage” in Jeddah**

1. **What is the primary objective of the Scientific Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage?**
The conference aims to discuss research projects, highlight the significance of underwater cultural heritage, and foster collaboration among global experts to preserve these sites as vital parts of national history and culture.

2. **Who organized the conference, and what is their role in heritage preservation?**
The Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture organized the event, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding underwater heritage and promoting its historical value nationally and internationally.

3. **How many countries are participating in the conference, and why is this important?**
Experts from 14 countries are attending, enabling cross-border knowledge exchange and reinforcing global efforts to protect shared underwater cultural heritage through diverse perspectives and expertise.

4. **Which regions in Saudi Arabia are focal points for underwater archaeological research?**
The Red Sea and Arabian Gulf are key areas due to their historical trade routes and submerged artifacts reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ancient connections with global civilizations.

5. **Why is underwater cultural heritage considered crucial to national identity?**
It embodies historical interactions, trade, and cultural exchanges that shaped Saudi Arabia’s past, offering insights into its role in ancient civilizations and regional connectivity.

6. **What methods are used to preserve underwater cultural heritage sites?**
Techniques include advanced archaeological surveys, 3D mapping, artifact recovery, and collaboration with marine scientists to mitigate environmental threats like erosion or human activity.

7. **How does international collaboration enhance underwater heritage preservation?**
Partnerships enable resource sharing, technological innovation, and unified strategies to address challenges like illegal excavation or climate impacts on submerged sites.

8. **Will the conference lead to future initiatives for underwater heritage in Saudi Arabia?**
Yes, it aims to inspire long-term projects, including expanded surveys, educational programs, and policy frameworks to protect and study underwater sites systematically.

9. **How can the public engage with underwater cultural heritage after the conference?**
The commission may organize exhibitions, documentaries, and educational campaigns to raise awareness and involve communities in preserving these historical assets.

10. **What challenges do researchers face in underwater archaeology in the region?**
Challenges include harsh marine environments, logistical complexities in deep-sea exploration, and balancing preservation with economic activities like coastal development or tourism.

11. **How does Saudi Arabia’s underwater heritage reflect historical global connections?**
Artifacts like shipwrecks and submerged ports reveal ancient trade links with civilizations in Africa, Asia, and Europe, underscoring the Kingdom’s historical role as a cultural crossroads.

12. **What technologies are showcased at the conference for underwater exploration?**
Innovations such as remote-operated vehicles (ROVs), sonar imaging, and AI-driven data analysis are likely discussed to improve site documentation and artifact recovery.

13. **Can non-experts or students participate in future conferences or projects?**
While this event targets professionals, the commission may develop workshops, internships, or citizen science programs to involve students and enthusiasts in heritage preservation.

14. **What outcomes are expected from the conference’s discussions?**
Anticipated outcomes include strengthened international networks, policy recommendations, and actionable research plans to advance underwater archaeology and heritage conservation.

15. **How does Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 align with this conference’s goals?**
The initiative supports cultural preservation as part of national development, leveraging heritage to promote tourism, education, and global cultural dialogue, aligning with the conference’s objectives.

**CTA (Llamado a la Acción):**
¿Te interesa explorar los secretos ocultos bajo las aguas del Mar Rojo y el Golfo Arábigo? **¡Súmate a la conversación!** Visita el sitio web de la Heritage Commission para conocer más sobre los proyectos de investigación, descubre cómo colaborar o sigue sus redes sociales para estar al día sobre las iniciativas que preservan nuestro legado submarino. ¡El pasado está esperando ser descubierto!

**Conclusión:**
La “Conferencia Científica sobre Patrimonio Cultural Subacuático” marca un hito en la protección y difusión de un legado histórico que conecta al Reino con civilizaciones ancestrales. Al reunir a expertos globales, no solo se enriquece el conocimiento arqueológico, sino que también se refuerza el compromiso con la preservación de una herencia que narra historias de intercambio, navegación y cultura. Este evento demuestra que las profundidades marinas no son solo un espacio físico, sino un puente hacia nuestra identidad colectiva.

**Agradecimiento:**
La Heritage Commission extiende un profundo agradecimiento a los investigadores, equipos de exploración y representantes de centros internacionales que han compartido su expertise en esta conferencia. Su dedicación es fundamental para desentrañar los misterios del patrimonio subacuático y garantizar su conservación para las futuras generaciones. Gracias también a los asistentes y colaboradores por impulsar un diálogo que trasciende fronteras, reforzando el valor universal de nuestra historia compartida.