Although the area has a long history with the sea, maritime archaeology has not yet gained prominence within Kuwait’s broader heritage sector. My residency on Failaka Island will support a postgraduate research project at the University of Malta, which aims to assess the state of maritime archaeology in Kuwait. The research, including a documentary film, delves into Kuwait's rich maritime past, closely connected to the sea through trade, fishing, and pearl diving. It also examines the progress of underwater cultural heritage (“UCH”) research on Failaka Island, in other parts of the country, and across the Arabian Gulf.

By mapping the context and identifying key stakeholders in Kuwait’s UCH ecosystem, I hope to highlight the links between various sectors—such as education, heritage, tourism, science, and industry—and this fascinating field, while raising public awareness of an often-overlooked part of our shared cultural heritage—the underwater world.