Bahrain Symposium Highlights Preservation of Gulf Antiquities

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Manama: The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) organized a symposium on the archaeology of the Arabian Gulf entitled “Gulf Archaeological Heritage: Between Discovery and Preservation,”heldon Tuesday and Wednesday, January 6 and 7, 2026, at the Bahrain National Museum. The event was organized in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and brought together a select group of researchers and specialists in archaeology and antiquities from GCC member states.

On this occasion, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, affirmed that Bahrain’s hosting of the symposium reflects its firm belief in the importance of joint Gulf cooperation, particularly in the field of antiquities. He stressed that Gulf archaeological heritage constitutes a core pillar of the shared cultural identity of GCC countries, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting scientific forums that advance archaeological research and contribute to preserving shared heritage for future generations.

During the opening session, Dr. Salman Ahmed Al-Mahari, Director General of Antiquities at BACA, delivered the keynote lecture, highlighting Bahrain’s efforts in preserving, managing and maintaining archaeological heritage, and emphasizing the importance of Gulf and international cooperation in developing the archaeological sector. The symposium featured specialized scientific sessions focusing on recent archaeological discoveries, site management and conservation, as well as the use of modern digital technologies and artificial intelligence in documenting, studying and safeguarding archaeological sites across the Gulf region.