- Dubai Culture Brings Together International Archaeologists and Heritage Experts to Advance Research, Conservation and Sustainable Management of Historic Sites
DUBAI, October 28, 2026: Dubai is strengthening its commitment to preserving the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and expanding its international presence in archaeological research through a scientific workshop organised by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) on the Suhaila Cultural Landscape in Hatta.
Held on October 27–28, 2026, the workshop brings together archaeologists, researchers, heritage management specialists and international experts to deepen understanding of Hatta’s historical significance, examine findings from recent archaeological studies and excavations, and explore international best practices in heritage conservation, documentation and site management.
The initiative reflects Dubai’s continued efforts to safeguard its historical identity, promote scientific research and position the emirate’s archaeological treasures more prominently on the global heritage map.
Preserving Dubai’s Historical Identity Through Scientific Research
The Suhaila Cultural Landscape represents an important part of Hatta’s historical and environmental heritage, offering valuable insights into human settlement, traditional resource management and the relationship between communities and the mountainous landscape.
Through the workshop, Dubai Culture aims to establish a comprehensive scientific framework that connects archaeological research with practical conservation and long-term site management. The initiative also seeks to strengthen cooperation among international research institutions, government authorities, academic experts and the local community.
Discussions are examining historical settlement patterns, the use of natural resources, and the ways in which communities adapted to Hatta’s distinctive mountainous environment across different periods.
The findings are expected to help identify research priorities, guide future archaeological investigations and support preparations for the protection and sustainable management of the Suhaila Cultural Landscape.
International Experts Share Knowledge and Best Practices
The workshop opened with an address by Dr Fatma Ali Almamari, Director of the Cultural Heritage Department at the UAE Ministry of Culture.
Specialist presentations and panel discussions are exploring Dubai’s archaeological landscape, Hatta’s settlement history and the importance of integrating scientific evidence into heritage management strategies.
Key presentations include “An Overview of Archaeological Sites in the Emirate of Dubai,” by Dr Mansour Boraik, Antiquities Expert at Dubai Culture, and “Archaeological Sites in Hatta: A Focus on the Suhaila Cultural Landscape,” delivered by Hassan Zein, Chief Archaeology Specialist at the Authority.
Afra Mahmoud Mohammed, Senior Wildlife Officer at the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, is examining Hatta’s mountain environment and its relationship with historical settlement patterns and human activity.
The programme also features international case studies demonstrating how archaeological landscapes can be researched, protected and managed in accordance with recognised heritage conservation practices.
Global Experiences Inform Dubai’s Heritage Conservation Strategy
International contributions include a presentation by Jérémie Schiettecatte of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), examining the Saudi Arabian site of Al-Faw and the process of identifying Outstanding Universal Value.
Abdulrahman Rashed Al Nuaimi, Head of World Heritage Sites Management at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, is sharing lessons from the management of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain, highlighting the importance of sustained conservation following World Heritage inscription.
Sadagat Davudova, Deputy Chair of the Reserves Management Center under Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, is presenting the cultural landscape of the Khinalig people and the Köç Yolu transhumance route.
Martin Price, Executive Director at Insuco, is also addressing stakeholder engagement, drawing on experiences from Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.
These international perspectives are helping participants examine how scientific research, community participation, institutional coordination and effective management systems can contribute to the long-term protection of culturally significant landscapes.
Developing a Comprehensive Management Framework for Suhaila
Dedicated technical sessions are focusing on the future conservation and management of the Suhaila Cultural Landscape in Hatta.
Contributors include Eng. Bader Mohammed Al Ali, Director of the Antiquities Department at Dubai Culture, alongside François Cristofoli and Simone Ricca of RC Heritage.
The sessions are intended to inform an initial site management framework, clarify the roles of relevant stakeholders and establish priorities for further research, documentation and conservation.
By bringing together scientific expertise, government institutions and community stakeholders, Dubai Culture aims to develop an integrated approach that protects the site’s archaeological features while preserving its wider historical and environmental significance.
Dubai Culture Highlights the Importance of Protecting National Heritage
Muna Faisal Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasised that archaeological conservation plays a vital role in preserving Dubai’s identity, documenting its history and passing the UAE’s cultural legacy on to future generations.
“The Suhaila Cultural Landscape – Hatta is an important part of Dubai’s historical memory. It reflects the enduring relationship between the people of the UAE and their land, and their ability to adapt to the environment and use its resources across different periods of history,” she said.
Al Gurg explained that the workshop seeks to strengthen scientific and institutional collaboration, facilitate the exchange of expertise, deepen understanding of the site and develop an integrated approach to its conservation.
She added that Dubai Culture remains committed to raising public awareness of the emirate’s archaeological sites and helping future generations appreciate their value as records of the communities that once inhabited the region.
Archaeological Discoveries Shed Light on Hatta’s Early Communities
Eng. Bader Mohammed Al Ali highlighted the importance of research at the Suhaila archaeological site in improving understanding of human settlement in Hatta, particularly how communities adapted to the mountainous terrain and managed water and agricultural resources.
“Through surveys and excavations, Dubai Culture is building a body of knowledge to trace the site’s development, document its architectural and environmental characteristics, and identify its conservation and management needs,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of collaboration with specialised universities and scientific institutions to advance archaeological research, strengthen documentation methodologies and apply international expertise to the next phase of work.
Such efforts are expected to provide a stronger scientific foundation for safeguarding the site and understanding its place within the broader history of the UAE.
Field Visits Connect Research With Hatta’s Living Heritage
The workshop programme includes field visits to Suhaila 1, Suhaila 3 and Hatta Falaj, allowing participants to examine the area’s archaeological features and gain first-hand insight into its historical and environmental characteristics.
These visits complement the scientific sessions by connecting research findings with the physical landscape and the heritage features that have shaped settlement and resource management in the region.
Through initiatives such as this workshop, Dubai Culture is reinforcing Dubai’s position as a destination that values its historical legacy while embracing scientific research, international cooperation and sustainable heritage management.
The initiative demonstrates the emirate’s determination to protect its cultural assets, expand international knowledge-sharing and ensure that the history of Hatta and its communities remains an enduring part of Dubai’s cultural identity.
BY: The Times Union – WAM
