Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission, in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, launched on Monday an open call for participation in the twelfth edition of the Red Sea Conference, scheduled for April 9 to 12, 2026, at the forthcoming Red Sea Museum.
The museum is housed in the historic Bab Al-Bunt building, located in the heart of Jeddah Historic District, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2014.
The event aligns with Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to boost its cultural and academic presence in the region and to activate the role of museums as vital platforms for cultural knowledge and exchange.
Since its inception in 2002, the Red Sea Conference has established itself as a leading international forum for the interdisciplinary study of the Red Sea as a unique historical and geographical corridor.
Past editions were hosted by renowned institutions including the British Museum, the University of Southampton, the University of Exeter, the University of Tabuk, the Università degli Studi di Napoli "L'Orientale", the University of Warsaw, the Maison de l'Orient et de la Méditerranée, the University of Crete, and the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona.
The conference will explore a rich array of interdisciplinary themes, including the Red Sea as a dynamic space shaped by cultural and geographical boundaries, its role as a major artery of ancient maritime trade and exchange, and the relationship between people and the environment over time.
Participants will also examine the archaeological landscapes of ancient cities and ports, approaches to preserving cultural and underwater heritage, and the lasting impact of cross-cultural interactions across Africa, Arabia, and the Indian Ocean.
In support of scholarly research and to encourage broad participation, the organizers have announced the availability of five travel grants for researchers whose papers are accepted. These grants will cover travel, accommodation, and registration fees, with preference given to applicants from the Red Sea region and developing countries.
By hosting the Red Sea Conference, the Museums Commission and the Heritage Commission underscore the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to foster cultural dialogue, strengthen international collaboration, and highlight the enduring role of the Red Sea as a living archive of human history and civilizations.
