ShareKUWAIT: From February 15 to 17, archaeologists, heritage professionals, marine scientists, scuba divers and university students convened in Kuwait to discuss maritime archaeology, underwater excavation techniques, and 3D technologies in underwater research. Under the rubric “3D-Q8,” the project served as a platform for education, training, and exchange that included a lecture series, a half-day workshop, and an interactive virtual reality seminar led by underwater archaeology specialists from Malta.
The multi-day initiative emerged from a partnership between the University of Malta, Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL), and the Department of Marine Science at Kuwait University. Professor Timmy Gambin, an associate professor of maritime archaeology in the Department of Classics and Archaeology at the University of Malta, led the Maltese team, accompanied by John Wood, a 3D photogrammetry expert and technical rebreather diver. Talal Al-Muhanna, a Kuwaiti filmmaker and postgraduate student of maritime archaeology at the University of Malta, coordinated the collaboration effort.
UNESCO
UNESCO defines Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) as “all traces of human existence having a cultural, historical, or archaeological character that have been partially or totally underwater, periodically or continuously, for at least 100 years.” This definition encompasses a wide range of potential artifacts—from prehistoric Stone Age tools to ancient harbors and commodities transported by ships over thousands of years. As Gambin et al. noted in a 2021 article for Remote Sensing: “The seabed can be considered as the world’s largest museum, and underwater sites explored and studied so far provide priceless information on human interaction with the sea.”
Talal Al-Muhanna – whose MA dissertation is being supervised by Dr. Gambin - stated: “Ever since Kuwait ratified the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, a robust framework for maritime archaeology has become available to prospective maritime archaeologists in Kuwait.” Indeed, with its comprehensive guidelines for researching, recovering, preserving, protecting, and managing underwater cultural heritage, UNESCO’s 2001 Convention is gradually establishing a global standard in underwater archaeology. Al-Muhanna added: “As a State Party to the 2001 Convention, Kuwait can reap positive benefits. At the same time, like all States Parties, ratification implies fulfilling various obligations too.”
Marine archaeology in Kuwait
To date, marine archaeology in Kuwait has focused on identifying and examining archaeological features along the shoreline, primarily on Failaka Island. From 2013 to 2019, under the auspices of Kuwait’s National Council, the Kuwaiti-Polish Archaeological Mission (KPAM) conducted coastal surveys around Failaka Island, identifying numerous archaeological features such as stone tidal weirs (fish traps). The KPAM archaeological team, which included Polish marine archaeologist Magdalena Nowakowska, determined that some of the studied features were built during the Early Islamic Period, while specific fishing practices related to these features continued to be used by island inhabitants into the early 20th century.
Building bridges to the past
In a time when environmental factors such as ocean acidification, marine pollution, and rising sea levels threaten the integrity and sustainability of Kuwait’s maritime landscapes, aquatic resources, and underwater cultural heritage, Project 3D-Q8 aims to rejuvenate discussions about underwater archaeology in Kuwait and foster interdisciplinary connections between local and international institutions with shared sustainability goals and scientific interests. Dr Fahad Al-Senafi, Acting Head of the Marine Science Department at Kuwait University, commented: “It is time to initiate a deeper exploration of the region’s rich history, right here in our own backyard in Kuwait. In the face of a changing climate, it is valuable to examine how ancient civilizations adapted to past environmental shifts, as this knowledge can help inform our strategies for the future”.
With top-notch facilities at its coastal campus in Al-Fintas, the Marine Science Centre boasts numerous classrooms, research laboratories, a library, a lecture hall, and direct access to the ocean. Al-Senafi, whose expertise and interests span physical oceanography, ocean modeling, and climate dynamics, added: “This region, once closely connected to Mesopotamian civilization, has long been shaped by the rivers that once flowed into Kuwaiti waters. Over time, these waters have accumulated historical remnants in our seabed, preserving a record of the past beneath layers of sediment, waiting to be explored.”
3D-Q8 program
Project 3D-Q8 launched on February 15 with an invitation-only workshop for scuba divers, underwater photographers, remote sensing technicians, heritage workers, and university students interested in underwater surveying techniques. The workshop was followed by a public lecture at the Marine Museum at the Radisson Blu Hotel, where topics related to underwater archaeology in Maltese waters were discussed. On February 17, the Marine Science Centre in Al-Fintas hosted public talks.
A set of morning lectures by Dr Gambin focused on the protection and management of underwater cultural heritage and the environmental factors impacting underwater archaeology. Later that day, John Wood led a highly popular interactive seminar featuring Virtual Reality (VR) headsets. Visitors, staff, and students were offered VR experiences. Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts & Letters (NCCAL), expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and emphasized the importance of promoting Failaka Island in line with sustainable tourism, as evidenced by NCCAL’s ongoing project in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund.
Failaka
Between the two days of public talks offered by Project 3D-Q8, the University of Malta team took an excursion to Failaka Island, guided by local heritage worker Hasan Al-Failakawi. As one of the Gulf’s key archaeological sites, 3D photogrammetry expert John Wood and Kuwaiti drone operator Ahmad Albehbehani conducted preliminary aerial surveys of select sites. The results will include 3D models and orthographic photographs.
Future prospects, new horizons
“My visit to Kuwait has been an enriching experience”, Gambin declared. “The state-of-the-art facilities are truly impressive, but what stands out most is the dedication and expertise of the heritage and marine sciences specialists. Their commitment suggests that Kuwait has the potential to become a leading force in underwater research and a catalyst for innovation in the field, not only in its territorial waters but also across the broader region.” Gambin’s positive interactions led him to conclude, “The future bodes well for collaborative efforts between the University of Malta, Kuwait University, and the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters.” Indeed, strengthening research ties and fostering new opportunities in maritime heritage and marine scientific exploration could create common ground.
Funding
Project 3D-Q8 was funded by a Research Networking Scheme (RNS) grant from Xjenza Malta (Science Malta). The project sought to enhance understanding and appreciation for underwater archaeology by fostering knowledge development, improving capacity building, and facilitating professional networking. The Ambassador of Malta to Kuwait, Prof Dr George Said-Zammit, provided additional support.
