The Course is Part of a Suite of Capacity Building Programs that IIE Supports in Partnership with the Heritage Commission
The Institute of International Education (IIE) partnered with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to conduct a transformative Underwater Cultural Heritage training course in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This initiative supports the Kingdom’s efforts to preserve submerged archaeological sites and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to promote heritage tourism, diversify the economy, and strengthen cultural identity.
Training the Next Generation of Marine Archaeologists
The two-week program trained Saudi heritage professionals in the identification, documentation, and conservation of underwater cultural heritage, including submerged artifacts, shipwrecks, and ancient coastal structures. Participants emerged as activated marine archaeologists, equipped to lead small-scale marine surveys and contribute to larger archaeological expeditions.
- Week One: Led by Dr. Emad Khalil, UNESCO Chair for Underwater Archaeology, participants explored the historical relationship between humans and the sea, international protections for submerged heritage, and the unique challenges of underwater archaeology in the Red Sea and the Gulf.
- Week Two: Practical sessions led by Francis Mallon at KAUST focused on archaeological scanning techniques, underwater photography, GIS applications in archaeology, and artifact conservation, providing hands-on experience in marine survey methodologies.
Advancing Vision 2030 Through Heritage Education
IIE’s Middle East Programs & Outreach Department worked closely with the Heritage Commission and KAUST to provide implementation and administrative services in preparing program materials, designing the application, and supporting the participants. This training course is part of a broader suite of cultural heritage capacity-building programs supported by IIE and the Heritage Commission, including the
- Heritage Horizon Program – advanced research writing for heritage professionals;
- Heritage Site Management Bootcamp – training for archaeological site managers; and
- Heritage Pioneers Program – skill development in heritage identification and preservation.
These initiatives are designed to support Saudi archaeologists, historians, anthropologists, and architects in the protection and promotion of the Kingdom’s rich cultural legacy.
Partnering for Sustainable Heritage Development
IIE is privileged to work with governments to implement professional development and training programs that promote economic development, advance scholarship, and improve lives. Contact Jonah Kokodyniak at development@iie.org or Jamal Alsayyed at jalsayyed@iie.org to learn more.