Doha: A number of officials and experts in the field of antiquities and heritage in the State of Qatar and the Arab world have emphasized the need to adopt modern technological means to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
According to Qatar News Agency, in exclusive statements on the occasion of the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, observed annually on Nov. 14, they stressed the importance of scientific documentation, international cooperation, and community awareness in protecting cultural heritage and ensuring the recovery of missing artifacts.
Director of Cultural Heritage Protection at Qatar Museums, Eng. Abdullatif Al Jasmi, told QNA that the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property represents an important occasion to raise awareness about the importance of protecting cultural heritage, viewing it as a symbol of resilience and the continuity of national identity.
He explained that heritage properties-whether archaeological artifacts, manuscripts, letters, or cultural practices-represent a continuous narrative of previous generations, and preserving them ensures the continuity of history and national identity for the future. Al Jasmi added that the department's responsibilities include the daily operation of facilities, the protection, maintenance, and scientific documentation of artifacts, as well as their promotion locally and internationally.
He pointed out that Qatar Museums now relies on advanced technological means to safeguard heritage, including continuous digital documentation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which allows information to be extracted from electronic archives and handwritten manuscripts and made available to visitors, researchers, and academics-thereby enhancing access to knowledge and protecting heritage from loss or forgery.
Al Jasmi affirmed that these efforts fall within the broader framework of securing cultural heritage and preserving Qatar's identity, while addressing challenges related to the illicit trade of cultural and traditional property. He stressed that heritage protection begins with social and scientific awareness rather than security or punitive measures, noting the importance of fostering a sense of ownership among individuals toward public collections and heritage sites-a value that strengthens societal responsibility for their preservation.
He pointed out that the Heritage Management follows a comprehensive strategy that includes the protection of sites, inspection, artifact security, and digital documentation, while focusing on educational programs and school and government visits to raise public awareness of the value and historical importance of Qatari heritage.
He underlined that international cooperation is a key component of this strategy, through partnership programs such as the "Years of Culture" initiative, launched in 2012, which facilitates the exchange of expertise and knowledge with museums and friendly countries-enriching local experience and enhancing the capacity to protect and sustain heritage.
For his part, Director-General of the Department of Antiquities Repatriation at Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Shaaban Abdel Gawad, told QNA that combating the theft and illicit trafficking of cultural property requires the adoption of modern technology and AI to track artifacts and record accurate information about them, making international recovery and monitoring processes more efficient.
He added that this strategy relies on establishing well-documented and continuously updated databases for all artifacts, manuscripts, and cultural properties, in addition to monitoring auctions and sales houses worldwide, and cooperating with international organizations such as the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to ensure the protection and repatriation of artifacts.
Dr. Abdel Gawad noted that Egypt's experience is pioneering in this field, having signed bilateral agreements with several countries, including the United States, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Spain, which have contributed to the recovery of significant collections of antiquities each year-amounting to around 30,000 artifacts over the past several years, despite some international legal obstacles.