Sharjah: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) has launched the "Sharjah Journal of Archaeological Studies." This peer-reviewed scientific journal is dedicated to publishing specialised research in archaeology and tangible cultural heritage, underscoring the Authority's commitment to advancing science and scholarship while establishing Sharjah as a prominent regional hub for archaeological research and cultural studies.
According to Emirates News Agency, the journal is set to cover the history of the Arabian Peninsula and its coasts from prehistoric times. The launch ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Issa Yousef, Director-General of SAA; Dr Sabah Aboud Jassim, Advisor to the Authority; and Dr Saeed bin Yarouf Al Naqbi, Director of the Authority. These attendees participated in a panel discussion focusing on the significance of the "Sharjah Journal of Archaeological Studies" and its potential impact on scientific and intellectual advancement, as well as its future role in supporting archaeological research and promoting specialised studies.
The event also saw the presence of Dr Aisha Ahmed Bushlaibi, Director of the University of Al Dhaid; Salem Omar Salem, Director of the Regional Office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) in the UAE; Professor Nasser Al Darmaki, Deputy Director of the ICCROM Regional Office in Sharjah; and delegations from the University of Sharjah, the University of Khorfakkan, and the University of Al Dhaid, along with various officials, academics, researchers, and specialists in archaeology and cultural heritage.
Available in both print and electronic formats, the journal specialises in publishing multidisciplinary research on the history of the Arabian Peninsula and its coasts, encompassing periods from prehistory through the historical and Islamic periods to the modern era. It aims to situate local studies within their regional and global cultural contexts, offering avenues for scholarly comparison with connected regions such as the Red Sea, the Arabian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean. This approach aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the region's civilisations and historical interactions.
Issa Yousef, Director-General of SAA, highlighted that the journal's launch is a result of ongoing support and patronage from the Ruler of Sharjah towards the advancement of science and culture. He described this initiative as an extension of Sharjah's commitment to investing in knowledge, promoting specialised studies, and preserving cultural heritage, which serves as a fundamental pillar of civilisational identity.
Dr Sabah Aboud Jassim, Advisor to the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, remarked that the journal will significantly enrich the specialised academic library by offering peer-reviewed research and studies with sound scientific methodologies. He emphasised the journal's role as an important resource for researchers and those interested in the field, aiding the documentation and dissemination of archaeological knowledge.
Dr Saeed bin Yarouf Al Naqbi, Director of SAA, noted that the journal will contribute to documenting the region's cultural heritage and promoting related academic studies. By providing a platform for high-quality scholarly work, it aims to reinforce Sharjah's standing as a scientific and intellectual centre for archaeological studies.
The journal employs a dual peer-review system managed by a committee of professors and experts from within and outside the UAE, ensuring the highest academic standards. It also adopts an open access policy, providing free access to articles immediately upon publication, to support the widespread dissemination of scientific knowledge.
In addition to promoting specialised studies in various areas of archaeology, the journal aims to serve as an interactive platform for academic dialogue and knowledge exchange among researchers and scientific institutions worldwide. As part of its strategic plan, the journal seeks to have its scholarly output indexed in reputable international academic databases and platforms, enhancing research dissemination and citation rates.