Manama:Bahrain chaired the 24th meeting of the GCC Committee of Undersecretaries for Antiquities and Museums, under its presidency of the 46th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The meeting was conducted virtually and led by Dr. Salman Ahmed Ibrahim Al Mahari, Director of Antiquities and Museums at the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). Officials from GCC member states and Khalid bin Ali Al Sunaidi, GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs, participated in the meeting.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting focused on enhancing cooperation among GCC countries in preserving and promoting the region's archaeological and cultural heritage. Discussions included plans for future exhibitions and specialized events, progress on the Committee's 2025-2030 work plan, and joint initiatives such as the GCC Heritage List and the annual GCC Archaeology Day.
Further subjects covered in the meeting involved expanding joint archaeological research and documentation, developing knowledge resources on heritage sites, and preparing joint nominations for UNESCO's World Heritage List. The role of museums in protecting cultural heritage and raising awareness of the region's history and civilizational legacy on an international scale was also emphasized.
The meeting concluded with a series of decisions and recommendations aimed at bolstering cooperation among GCC states, coordinating efforts to protect their archaeological and cultural heritage, and showcasing the region's shared historical legacy.