Doha, 20 August 2026

Qatar Museums (QM), in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, hosted a public conference titled Coastal and Maritime Cultural Heritage in Qatar on Thursday, 20 August 2026, at the Auditorium of the National Museum of Qatar. The event was held ahead of the International Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage, observed annually on 21 August, to highlight the importance of protecting underwater heritage as part of humanity’s shared cultural legacy and collective memory.

The conference brought together archaeologists, heritage specialists, researchers, diplomats and academia to explore Qatar’s rich coastal landscapes, maritime traditions and historic communities. Through a series of presentations, experts from Qatar Museums’ Archaeology Department and UNESCO discussed the research, documentation, conservation and sustainable management of underwater cultural heritage.

Faisal Al Naimi, Director of the Archaeology Department at Qatar Museums, highlighted the importance of preserving Qatar’s maritime legacy, noting that coastal and maritime heritage forms an essential part of the country’s shared history and identity. He stressed that continued research, conservation and public engagement would help ensure this heritage is understood, protected and passed on to future generations.

The conference also provided a platform for discussing sustainable approaches to underwater cultural heritage management, with a focus on balancing conservation and protection with scientific research and public access. These efforts reflect the shared commitment of Qatar Museums and UNESCO to the principles of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, which provides an international framework for safeguarding submerged cultural resources.

In her remarks, UNESCO representative Engineer Jaoda underlined the global significance of underwater cultural heritage and its role in preserving the collective memory of communities. She noted that Qatar’s strategic location along major maritime routes has made it an important part of regional and international seafaring networks for centuries.

She explained that beneath Qatar’s waters lies a largely untold history of human interaction with the sea, offering valuable insights into the lives, economies, traditions and environments of past communities. Continued research, international cooperation and knowledge exchange, she said, are essential to ensuring that this heritage remains a source of learning, inspiration and cultural identity for future generations.

The conference also drew attention to the challenges facing underwater archaeological resources, including looting, illicit treasure hunting, climate change, environmental degradation, rising sea levels and the unsustainable use of marine resources. These growing threats underline the need for coordinated efforts to document, protect and preserve submerged heritage.

Particular attention was given to submerged prehistoric landscapes in the Arabian Gulf, including areas within Qatar’s territorial waters. These sites offer significant opportunities to deepen understanding of ancient human settlement and environmental change, while also presenting complex challenges for researchers and heritage managers.

UNESCO’s 2001 Convention remains the principal international legal framework for protecting underwater cultural heritage and has been ratified by 81 States Parties. Qatar joined this international effort in 2023, reaffirming its commitment to protecting underwater cultural heritage in line with international standards.

The event concluded with UNESCO expressing appreciation for its continued partnership with Qatar Museums’ Archaeology Department. The two organisations have worked together since the launch of the year-long Dive into Al Zubarah’s Past project in 2025 and are expected to continue developing initiatives that promote research, awareness and preservation.

Open to the public, the conference offered attendees an opportunity to learn more about Qatar’s maritime past and hear directly from specialists involved in documenting and protecting the country’s underwater cultural heritage.