“Scholars from around the world will attend the conference to address heritage preservation, opportunities and challenges in the Arab region,” the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) said in a statement.
The Heritage 2011 conference will address issues related to architecture and urban heritage and the DMACH theme will focus on digital media.
“The joint conference aims to provide the participants with an occasion to share and exchange experiences and research finding, to stimulate more ideas and useful insights regarding heritage preservation, conservation and the uses of digital media in cultural heritage, and to debate their views on future research and developments regarding challenges facing heritage preservation in the Arab region,” the SCTA statement said.
“This is a significant and timely congress. Amid the euphoria to build and grow, we do not have many opportunities to step back and reflect on the consequences of these practices on our environment and heritage. The joint conference is meant to do that,” said Osama Al-Gohari, director general of Al-Turath Foundation.
Over 120 papers will be presented in the conference. The scientific committee supervising the conference consists of 100 scholars from all over the world. Conference co-chair Jamal Al-Qawasmi said some 300 professionals are expected to attend. He said the event is supported by several local, regional and international organizations, such as the Greater Amman Municipality, Jordanian Architects Society and the Egyptian Cultural Heritage Organization.
Al-Qawasmi said Al-Turath Foundation is fully committed to support the heritage preservation movement, not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the whole Arab region. “Our partnership with Al-Turath Foundation will make this international conference the premier event dedicated to heritage preservation movement in the region. We are so pleased to organize this premier event in collaboration with Al-Turath Foundation whose support for this year's conference as well as in 2008 is a clear indication of its leadership and its vision as set by SCTA President Prince Sultan bin Salman,” he said.
