Pre-Islamic Water Well Discovered in Kuwait’s Failaka Island

The discovered water well measures 4.5 meters in length and 4 meters in width. KUNA
The discovered water well measures 4.5 meters in length and 4 meters in width. KUNA
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Pre-Islamic Water Well Discovered in Kuwait’s Failaka Island

The discovered water well measures 4.5 meters in length and 4 meters in width. KUNA
The discovered water well measures 4.5 meters in length and 4 meters in width. KUNA

The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) has announced the discovery of an ancient water well on Kwuait’s Failaka Island dating back to the pre-Islamic and early Islamic era.

In a statement to KUNA, NCCAL's Acting Assistant Secretary General for Antiquities and Museums Mohammad bin Redha said Sunday that the discovery is located in a courtyard of a house dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries AD.

The discovery also included bedrock for a building near the well, evidence of a massive wall surrounding the house, and remains of pottery dating back between 1,300 and 1,400 years, representing the pre-Islamic and early Islamic era.

He explained that the discovery is part of the excavation work being conducted by the Kuwaiti Slovak archaeological mission, which began in 2019 in the Al-Qusour area, one of the largest archaeological sites in Failaka Island, dating back to multiple periods.

Professor of Anthropological Archaeology at Kuwait University Dr. Hassan Ashkanani described the discovery as one of the most prominent archaeological discoveries on Failaka Island.

He also revealed the discovery of more than five kilograms of precious stones, such as rubies and purple amethysts, reflecting the nature of economic activity on the island 1,400 years ago.

The head of the Slovak mission, Dr. Matej Rutkay, explained that the focus of the 2025 season would be on the northern part of the Al-Qusour settlement, where a courtyard and a house believed to have belonged to a wealthy person of that era had previously been found.

He stated that the site extends over an area of 38 meters in length and 34 meters in width, with the house covering 97 square meters, while the discovered water well measures 4.5 meters in length and 4 meters in width.

The site of Al-Qusour is considered one of the most important and largest archaeological sites in Failaka.



Saudi Museums Commission Hosts Talk on Conservation and Display of Artifacts, Art Collections

The Saudi Museums Commission logo
The Saudi Museums Commission logo
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Saudi Museums Commission Hosts Talk on Conservation and Display of Artifacts, Art Collections

The Saudi Museums Commission logo
The Saudi Museums Commission logo

The Saudi Museums Commission has recently hosted an engaging open talk on “Conservation, Preservation, and Display of Artifacts and Art Collections,” as part of the commission’s monthly series of dialogues aimed at exploring innovative strategies and best practices in preserving cultural heritage.

Moderated by Tariq Abdulhakim Museum Acting Director Tayeb AlTayeb, the event featured insights from renowned experts, including Red Sea Museum Director Eman Zidan, former Director of the National Museum of Beirut Anne-Marie Afeiche, and Director of the Restoration and Conservation Center at the Grand Egyptian Museum Dr. Hussein Kamal.

The panel emphasized the critical role of conservation and restoration in protecting cultural heritage. Kamal shared the remarkable work of the Grand Egyptian Museum’s Restoration Center. Afeiche highlighted Lebanon's historical challenges, where innovative methods, such as cement blocks, were used to conserve artifacts in the National Museum.

The importance of public involvement in conservation was a central theme of the event. Zidan remarked that "protecting collections is a shared responsibility—it is about communities, individuals, and future generations." Examples of successful engagement included the children’s choir at the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum, run by the Museums Commission, which celebrated musical heritage and connected young audiences to their cultural roots.
Zidan also mentioned the Museums Commission’s efforts to raise public awareness of the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage, referring to the commission’s campaign “Telling Tomorrow’s Story”, which introduced the public to the Ministry of Culture’s collection and valuable artifacts, and presented the museums as guardians of such cultural heritage.
The role of media in raising awareness about conservation was a key focus. Speakers highlighted the importance of documenting restoration processes and sharing these stories through social media, television, and documentaries. Kamal shared how the Grand Egyptian Museum will use behind-the-scenes videos to showcase restoration efforts, making the process accessible and engaging for the public.
This open talk reflects the Museums Commission’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage through advancing conservation and preservation practices across the Kingdom and the region. By embracing innovation and fostering collaboration, the commission ensures that Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage remains vibrant and accessible for future generations.