Heritage Commission Launches 2nd Phase of Red Sea Underwater Heritage Survey

The second phase builds upon a series of national initiatives dedicated to preserving the Kingdom's diverse cultural heritage. Photo via SPA

The Heritage Commission has announced the launch of the project's second phase, which is focused on studying underwater cultural heritage sites along the Red Sea Coast. This project involves partnerships with King Abdulaziz University, the University of Naples L'Orientale in Italy, and international partners, including the Alexandria Center for Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage, the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage in South Korea, and the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
According to SPA, the second phase builds upon a series of national initiatives dedicated to preserving the Kingdom's diverse cultural heritage. This includes developing a sustainable approach to conserving underwater heritage, with a specific focus on sites spanning the governorates of Jeddah and Al-Qunfudhah. It seeks to provide accurate information for the management and protection of these sites and expand research and scientific studies related to them. The ultimate goal is to enhance knowledge and documentation of this cultural heritage.
Expected outcomes include comprehensive reports analyzing archaeological findings, a developed management plan, and detailed scientific documentation of submerged heritage elements. These will contribute to the national archaeological registry and enhance the national protection of underwater cultural heritage along the Red Sea Coast. This project will also highlight the historical and cultural connections between Saudi Arabia and various countries, as the Red Sea Coast is a major historical maritime route.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has made significant efforts in this field, which aligns with the UNESCO Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001 Convention. These include establishing a dedicated center for underwater cultural heritage, a key initiative within Vision 2030 aimed at achieving sustainable development in the field of national heritage.