SIXTH COASTAL FORUM KICKS OFF AT UKF UNDER THE THEME “COASTAL AND UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE – CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES: THE SHORES OF SHARJAH AS A MODEL”

University of Khorfakkan,UKF, in collaboration with the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage, and Morocco’s Association for Marine Heritage Protection, inaugurated the sixth edition of the Coastal Forum. This year’s theme, “Coastal and Underwater Cultural Heritage – Challenges and Opportunities: The Shores of Sharjah as a Model,” underscores the significance of coastal and underwater cultural heritage as a valuable historical and cultural treasure of the region. Held from November 9 to 10 at UKF, the forum features a series of discussions and research papers addressing both challenges and future opportunities, along with insights from international experiences in conservation and documentation. In his opening remarks, Prof.Ali Hilal Alnaqbi, Chancellor of UKF, expressed his delight in participating in this forum to support efforts that empower researchers in marine science and technology. He emphasized that UKF is the first in UAE to offer a comprehensive academic program dedicated to marine sciences, aligning with the unique geographical location of Khorfakkan on the Gulf of Oman. This setting makes it an ideal place to study marine life in its natural habitat, in collaboration with the University of Exeter, one of the world’s leading institutions. “UKF will always remain committed to its academic and research role, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University,” he added. H.E. Issa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, emphasized that this event is a significant step in Sharjah’s vision to establish itself as a global knowledge hub in cultural heritage. “This forum lays the groundwork for global partnerships to place coastal and underwater cultural heritage at the forefront of international interest,” he said, reflecting on the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. “The forum is a strategic platform that combines foresight with global expertise to serve humanity’s heritage and enrich the international cultural landscape. Sharjah Archaeology Authority remains dedicated to finding sustainable solutions to safeguard coastal and underwater heritage, which is integral to our civilizational identity,” he added. The opening session included presentations from international experts. Prof. Rui Carita, an emeritus professor at University of Madeira, Portugal, delivered a paper titled “Underwater Cultural Heritage in Sharjah,” discussing two Portuguese underwater archaeological expeditions conducted in Sharjah in November 2018 and December 2021. Dr. Jun Kimura, a marine archaeologist and associate professor at Tokai University in Japan, presented on “Maritime Trade on the Islamic Silk Road,” highlighting the discovery of the “Chao Tan” shipwreck in Vietnam’s submerged cultural heritage and proposing solutions for related challenges. Dr. Laila Karakter from USA, discussed “Machine Learning Using Sonar for Underwater Shipwreck Detection,” followed by researcher Moussa Welly from Senegal, who examined the “Implementation of the 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage in Sub-Saharan Africa” and potential collaborations with Arab countries to bolster these efforts. The final session featured two presentations: one from Saudi Arabia by Dr. Faisal Al-Jabrin and Mr. Faris Hamzi on “The Efforts of the Heritage Commission in Exploring Underwater Cultural Heritage on the Red Sea Coast,” and a presentation from UAE by Dr. Henrik Stahl, Dean of the College of Marine Sciences and Aquatic Biology at UKF, on “Marine Education and the Importance of Integrating Scientific Research and Heritage Conservation in Sharjah.” In closing, Sharjah Archaeology Authority presented a special showcase of information technology, including virtual reality applications for documenting and preserving coastal and underwater heritage using the latest technological tools.