Jeddah: The Red Sea Museum celebrated the opening of 'Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea' exhibition on Wednesday with an event at the historic Bab Al Bunt building in Historic Jeddah. This exhibition is now accessible to the public at the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah until May 29, 2026.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the opening ceremony included a panel discussion on maritime heritage and underwater archaeology, featuring leading experts. The panel explored the processes of discovery, documentation, and conservation that convert submerged cultural heritage into historical knowledge. It highlighted collaborative efforts between the Heritage Commission, Historic Jeddah Program, and various archaeological missions along the Saudi coast of the Red Sea to safeguard this heritage for future generations.
Attendees participated in an exclusive curator-led tour with Eman Zidan, Director of the Red Sea Museum, and Dr. Sol¨ne Marion de Proc©, Co-Director of the Saudi-French Archaeological Mission in Farasan. They guided visitors through thematic sections of the exhibition that explore shipwrecks as historical archives and their transformation into coral reefs.
The event concluded with a Ramadan reception, underlining the museum's dedication to cultural programming that honors the spirit of Ramadan while celebrating this important exhibition launch.
The opening of Sunken Treasures marks a pivotal moment for the Red Sea Museum as Saudi Arabia's first institution focused on the Red Sea's maritime history, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. Located in the restored Bab Al Bunt building, which has historically welcomed sea travelers, the museum illustrates the synergy between historic artifacts and contemporary cultural conservation.
Aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing in cultural infrastructure that serves local and international audiences while establishing leadership in museum innovation, research, and public engagement. The Red Sea Museum, being the first fully inclusive and accessible museum in Saudi Arabia, embodies this commitment to creating welcoming cultural institutions.
Through exhibitions like Sunken Treasures, diverse public programming, and partnerships with research institutions, the Red Sea Museum aims to preserve heritage and create opportunities for cultural exchange, education, and sustainable development. The museum's initiatives show that cultural heritage is a dynamic part of human history, connecting people to their roots and inspiring future generations.