9–12 April 2026

Red Sea Conference XII

9–12 April 2026

The Red Sea Conference XII aims to explore edges and transitions in the histories and material cultures of the region, with a focus on historical and historiographical divisions and boundaries in Red Sea research, recent discoveries, and approaches to recontextualize the history of the Red Sea in museums. 
The edition will be supporting the preservation of heritage while protecting the future and empowering communities.

The Conference Schedule

A three-day program (9–11 April) with an optional excursion day (12 April). Keynotes, themed paper sessions, poster sessions, panels, and hosted receptions are scheduled across the Museum, with hybrid access and interpretation.

Day 1 - 9 April
15:30 : 16:30
Opening Remarks & Welcome
Introduction to the conference objectives.
15:30 : 16:30
Coffee Break
Networking and refreshments.
15:30 : 16:30
Keynote Panel – “The Red Sea as Global Axis”
Exploring the Red Sea’s role in global trade and culture.
Day 2 - 10 April
15:30 : 16:30
Opening Remarks & Welcome
Introduction to the conference objectives.
15:30 : 16:30
Coffee Break
Networking and refreshments.
15:30 : 16:30
Keynote Panel – “The Red Sea as Global Axis”
Exploring the Red Sea’s role in global trade and culture.
Day 3 - 11 April
15:30 : 16:30
Opening Remarks & Welcome
Introduction to the conference objectives.
15:30 : 16:30
Coffee Break
Networking and refreshments.
15:30 : 16:30
Keynote Panel – “The Red Sea as Global Axis”
Exploring the Red Sea’s role in global trade and culture.
Day 4 - 12 April
15:30 : 16:30
Opening Remarks & Welcome
Introduction to the conference objectives.
15:30 : 16:30
Keynote Panel – “The Red Sea as Global Axis”
Exploring the Red Sea’s role in global trade and culture.
15:30 : 16:30
Coffee Break
Networking and refreshments.

This edition will focus on:

We are committed to making this event accessible to all.

Examine authentic and replica navigation tools
Try simple orientation and star-mapping exercises
Try simple orientation and star-mapping exercises
Engage in a Q&A with our curatorial team

Keynote Speakers & Topics

Meet our professionals

Dr. Chiara Zazzaro
Associate Professor
Dr. Chiara Zazzaro
Professor of Maritime Archaeology, University of Naples L’Orientale
Dr. Dionisius Agius
Emeritus Professor
Dr. Dionisius Agius
Emeritus Professor of Arabic Studies & Islamic Material Culture, University of Exeter.
Dr. Thomas Kuehn
Associate Professor
Dr. Thomas Kuehn
Assoc. Professor of Ottoman History, Simon Fraser University.
Dr. Thomas Kuehn
Associate Professor
Dr. Thomas Kuehn
Assoc. Professor of Ottoman History, Simon Fraser University.

Registration

General Admission
SAR 250
Students / Cultural Professionals
SAR 250

Accessibility & Facilities

Hybrid sessions available, with subtitles.
On-site interpretation (EN ↔ AR) for sessions.
Session recordings for YouTube replay.
Sustainability and wellness options
Past Conferences

Red Sea Project Conference XI

Held in 2024, Spain

Hosted by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona & CSIC. Focused on the history, peoples, and cultures of the Red Sea—networks, environments, cultural connections, edges, and transitions.

Visit the Red Sea Museum