QM, UNESCO to host coastal and maritime cultural heritage conference on August 20

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Qatar Museums, in partnership with UNESCO, will host a public conference on August 20 at the National Museum of Qatar to discuss the conservation and management of the country’s coastal and underwater cultural heritage. The event highlights Qatar’s commitment to preserving its maritime history through research and international collaboration, aligned with the 2001 Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage.

Qatar Museums (QM), in partnership with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, will hold a public conference titled “Coastal and Maritime Cultural Heritage in Qatar” on August 20. The event is scheduled to take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the National Museum of Qatar’s auditorium in Doha.

The conference, organized to coincide with the International Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage on August 21, aims to highlight the importance of underwater cultural heritage as part of the world’s shared historical and cultural legacy. It will feature presentations by archaeologists and heritage experts focusing on Qatar’s coastal environments, maritime traditions, and historical communities.

Speakers from QM’s Archaeology Department and UNESCO will deliver a series of brief lectures covering the research, conservation, documentation, and sustainable management of Qatar’s submerged cultural assets. Faisal Al Naimi, director of QM’s Archaeology Department, emphasized the significance of the country’s maritime heritage to its identity, stating that through research and public engagement, Qatar can protect and preserve this heritage for future generations. He also noted that the collaboration with UNESCO reflects a broader commitment to raising awareness and strengthening protective measures for underwater cultural resources.

The conference will also discuss sustainable strategies that seek to balance the conservation of underwater heritage with ongoing scientific study and public involvement. The event underscores the shared dedication of Qatar Museums and UNESCO to the principles outlined in the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. This international framework promotes cooperation and knowledge exchange in archaeology and heritage management.

Through various initiatives including excavations, scientific analysis, conservation efforts, and outreach programs, Qatar Museums continues to deepen understanding of the nation’s past while safeguarding and sharing its cultural artefacts. The public is encouraged to attend the conference to learn more about Qatar’s maritime history and engage with the experts driving these endeavors. Further information is available on the Qatar Museums website.

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