- Qatar’s centuries-old relationship with the sea—from pearl diving and trade to ancient coastal communities—was celebrated at the National Museum of Qatar, as Unesco and Qatar Museums renewed calls to research, protect and preserve the country’s rich underwater cultural heritage for future generations
Qatar has played an important role in regional and international seafaring networks, noted an official from Unesco while celebrating the International Day for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, marked annually on August 21. Speaking at an event organised by Qatar Museums (QM) yesterday on the topic ‘Coastal and Maritime Cultural Heritage in Qatar', Farida Aboudan, head of the Education Sector at Unesco's Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, said that it was an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of underwater cultural heritage as an integral part of humanity's shared cultural legacy.
Held at the National Museum of Qatar, the event was attended by Faisal al-Naimi, director of the Archaeology Department at QM; Muhammad Aamer, ambassador of Pakistan; several other diplomats; and dignitaries and invitees.
“It is an opportunity to draw attention to Qatar's underwater cultural heritage and to highlight its outstanding historical and cultural significance. Situated in a strategic location at the crossroads of major maritime routes, Qatar has played for centuries an important role in regional and international seafaring networks,” said Aboudan.
“Beneath our waters lies a rich and largely untold story of human interaction with the sea, one that offers valuable insights into the lives, economies, traditions and environments of past communities. Through continued research, international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge, we can safeguard this irreplaceable heritage and ensure that it remains a source of learning, of inspiration and cultural identity for future generations,” she explained.
Aboudan noted that Qatar joined the Unesco Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage in 2023
“It is the principal international legal framework for safeguarding underwater cultural heritage and has now been ratified by 81 member states. By joining the growing international commitment, Qatar has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting and preserving underwater cultural heritage in accordance with international standards,” she highlighted.
The official also expressed Unesco’s appreciation to Qatar Museums for their continued collaboration in protecting and promoting Qatar's cultural heritage. “We have worked closely with the Department of Archaeology, at least since last year, when we launched the year-long project called Dive into Al Zubara's Past, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with similar initiatives. Together, we can ensure that this remarkable heritage is preserved, is researched and is appreciated as a lasting legacy for future generations,” she added.
According to al-Naimi, Qatar’s coastal and maritime heritage is an essential part of the shared history and identity. “Through research, conservation and public engagement, we can ensure that this unique legacy is understood, protected and passed on to future generations. Our collaboration with the Unesco Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen on this conference reflects our commitment to raising awareness of underwater cultural heritage and strengthening efforts to protect it.”
"Qatar’s relationship with the sea is very deep as it is a peninsula. Qataris rode the waves and engaged in pearl diving and trade. So it was a major economic pillar prior to the present day,” he continued.
During a panel discussion, Jawida Mansour, programme, associate for Culture at Unesco Doha Office, spoke on the topic ‘Celebration of International Day for the Protection of Underwater Culture Heritage,’ while Ouafa Slimane, expert field archaeologist, highlighted the “Contributions of the 2001 Unesco Convention to Protecting Underwater Cultural Heritage, and Promoting Sustainable Development.”
In another panel discussion, QM director al-Naimi spoke on the topic of 'The Fish Traps in Qatar,' and Ferhan Sakal, head of Excavation and Site Management at QM, outlined 'Finding Qatar's Ancient Shoreline: Sea-Level Changes and the Search for the First Maritime Communities'. The session concluded with the presentation of Robert Carter, deputy director of Heritage and Archaeological Research at the National Museum of Qatar, on the topic 'Pearl Fishing Communities and Their Use of Underwater Resources'.