Hunt for Underwater Heritage

Bahrain has launched a landmark underwater archaeological research initiative, bringing together the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), the Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB), and Japan's Teikyo University Institute of Cultural Property Research.

The partnership aims to use advanced technology to locate, document, and study submerged archaeological remains and historic shipwrecks in Bahraini waters — shedding new light on the Kingdom's deep-rooted maritime history.

BACA President Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said the initiative reflects the authority's commitment to heritage preservation, adding that such partnerships open new horizons for archaeological research and documentation.

He said the collaboration extends beyond fieldwork, offering a platform to explore Bahrain's maritime culture by combining cutting-edge technology with archaeological expertise.

The initiative also highlights the enduring bond between Bahrain and the sea — a defining feature of the Kingdom's identity and cultural heritage shaped across centuries.

Officials said the project marks a significant step in advancing Bahrain's archaeological research methods and uncovering its historical legacy.