Latest news with #SAA
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Al Etihad
Sharjah Archaeology Authority concludes its exhibition at Colosseum in Rome
29 May 2025 11:21 SHARJAH (WAM) The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) has concluded the activities of its international archaeological exhibition titled 'From Sharjah to Rome via the Spice Route', held at Curia Julia, the historic Roman Senate building located within the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome, from February to May 2025, the exhibition welcomed more than 600,000 visitors from exhibition reflected the deep historical ties between Sharjah and the Roman world, shedding light on the vital role played by key archaeological sites such as Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn along the ancient Silk and Spice Routes, particularly in the spice trade that once linked the Arabian Gulf to the Mediterranean part of the accompanying programme, SAA produced an interactive documentary film illustrating the commercial and cultural exchanges between Rome and the eastern Arabian Peninsula—particularly Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn—during the Roman period. The film was praised by visitors and historians alike for its accurate visual portrayal of economic life, maritime routes, and the cross-cultural connections between the two Yousif, Director-General of the SAA, stated, 'This exhibition successfully reintroduced Sharjah to a global audience through a new lens. Hosting more than 600,000 visitors in just three months is a testament to the growing interest in Sharjah's archaeological legacy."The exhibition allowed international visitors to engage closely with Sharjah's rich history—not only through the artefacts on display but also through the immersive experiences and scientific interpretation that accompanied them, which helped reinforce a dignified cultural image of Sharjah and elevated its presence on the global cultural scene."Yousif further emphasised that this participation reflects the broader vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in reinforcing Sharjah's cultural identity, promoting civilisational dialogue and fostering global openness. His Highness's continuous support for the cultural sector was a cornerstone in achieving this international exhibition also featured a specialised academic lecture bringing together a group of Emirati and Italian scholars. The session explored various aspects of historical connectivity between Sharjah and the Mediterranean world, with a focus on advanced technologies in heritage conservation and archaeological addition, official meetings were held between the Sharjah Archaeology Authority and the management of the Colosseum Archaeological Park to exchange expertise and establish the foundations for long-term cooperation in research, exhibitions, and training initiatives. The exhibition presented more than 110 rare archaeological artefacts from major sites across the Emirate of Sharjah. These were displayed using augmented reality (AR) and 3D visualisation technologies, offering visitors a uniquely educational and engaging experience that enhanced their understanding of Sharjah's deep-rooted heritage and historical influence.
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Sharjah 24
SAA concludes its Archaeological Exhibition at Colosseum in Rome
The exhibition reflected the deep historical ties between Sharjah and the Roman world, shedding light on the vital role played by key archaeological sites such as Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn along the ancient Silk and Spice Routes, particularly in the spice trade that once linked the Arabian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea. A Documentary film depicting Roman-Eastern trade As part of the accompanying program, SAA produced an interactive documentary film illustrating the commercial and cultural exchanges between Rome and the eastern Arabian Peninsula—particularly Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn—during the Roman period. The film was praised by visitors and historians alike for its accurate visual portrayal of economic life, maritime routes, and the cross-cultural connections between the two worlds. Strengthening Sharjah's cultural image on the global stage Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), stated: 'This exhibition successfully reintroduced Sharjah to a global audience through a new lens. Hosting more than 600,000 visitors in just three months is a testament to the growing interest in Sharjah's archaeological legacy. The exhibition allowed international visitors to engage closely with Sharjah's rich history—not only through the artifacts on display but also through the immersive experiences and scientific interpretation that accompanied them, which helped reinforce a dignified cultural image of Sharjah and elevated its presence on the global cultural scene." Eisa Yousif further emphasized that this participation reflects the broader vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in reinforcing Sharjah's cultural identity, promoting civilizational dialogue, and fostering global openness. His Highness's continuous support for the cultural sector was a cornerstone in achieving this international success. Scientific engagement and cultural partnerships The exhibition also featured a specialized academic lecture bringing together a group of Emirati and Italian scholars. The session explored various aspects of historical connectivity between Sharjah and the Mediterranean world, with a focus on advanced technologies in heritage conservation and archaeological research. In addition, official meetings were held between the Sharjah Archaeology Authority and the management of the Colosseum Archaeological Park to exchange expertise and establish the foundations for long-term cooperation in research, exhibitions, and training initiatives. 110 artifacts and a cutting-edge interactive experience The exhibition presented more than 110 rare archaeological artifacts from major sites across the Emirate of Sharjah. These were displayed using augmented reality (AR) and 3D visualization technologies, offering visitors a uniquely educational and engaging experience that enhanced their understanding of Sharjah's deep-rooted heritage and historical influence.
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Today
Faya Palaeolandscape moves closer to UNESCO recognition
The UAE has reached another defining moment in its cultural and scientific journey, as Sharjah advances the nomination of the Faya Palaeolandscape for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Situated in the Central Region of Sharjah, this ancient desert site holds one of the world's oldest and most uninterrupted records of early human presence, dating back to over 210,000 years. Formally nominated in 2024 under the 'Cultural Landscape' category, the Faya Palaeolandscape is now under evaluation by UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The property is being recognised not only for its archaeological depth, but for its potential to reshape our global understanding of how early humans lived in arid environments, moved and evolved across Southeast Arabia. Spearheading global outreach for Faya's ongoing World Heritage nomination is Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the official ambassador of the nomination file. Her role reflects a collective national effort to elevate the property's international status, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy and scientific advancement. Sheikha Bodour commented, 'Faya offers one of the oldest and most complete records of early human presence in Arabia, dating back over 210,000 years – a living archive that deepens our understanding of who we are, where we came from, and how we have learned to survive.' 'The Faya Palaeolandscape's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status highlights the importance of preserving these ancient sites, not only for their historical value but for their potential to educate future generations. As ambassador, I see this nomination as an opportunity to elevate Faya as a shared inheritance for all people around the world,' she added, affirming the significance of this nomination in shaping global heritage discourse. While much of the region has been viewed as a mere transit point for early human migration, interdisciplinary scientific research and archaeological discoveries conducted by the Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA) in collaboration with the University of Tübingen in prehistory studies and Oxford Brookes University for paleoenvironmental studies, confirmed that the Faya property served as a destination for early human settlement during climatically favourable periods. The convergence of essential resources — water from springs and wadis, stone raw materials like flint for tool-making, and shelter within the jebels — made sustained occupation possible. Over the past 30 years, scientists have excavated the Faya site, uncovering 18 distinct layers of earth, each representing a different period of human occupation, and providing unprecedented insights into early human migration and adaptation. These game-changing discoveries offer a fresh understanding of human migration from Faya, which holds the most detailed record of ancient human life in Arabia. From these facets of discovery, which have fully revealed the site's potential to offer a rare and completely intact record of human survival in the face of environmental adversity, Faya's potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) has been established. Eisa Yousif, Director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasised: 'The preservation of Faya is deeply anchored in Sharjah's Cultural Heritage Law No. 4 of 2020, which ensures its protection for future generations. Over 30 years of meticulous research and collaboration led by our national mission and experts with international experts have revealed 18 distinct archaeological layers from the Stone Age, bringing to light an intricate history of human evolution, adaptation and survival right here in Sharjah.' 'As we advance Faya's UNESCO World Heritage nomination, it is important to emphasise that our collaborative efforts have made this a global project; one that connects the past with the present more strongly, adding to the rich global corpus of archaeological discoveries. This property, therefore, holds immense value for the world – not just Sharjah and the UAE,' he added. The UAE has developed a comprehensive management plan for the Faya Palaeolandscape, which will guide its conservation, research, and visitor engagement from 2024 to 2030. This plan aligns with UNESCO's World Heritage standards, ensuring that the site is preserved while also allowing for continued exploration and education.
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- The Citizen
Man who stole equipment that prevents plane crashes sentenced
The equipment valued at over R1.6 million was stolen from OR Tambo International Airport and never recovered. Emmanuel Mdakane appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Friday where the sentence was handed down. Picture: Instagram/Tumi Sole. A 44-year-old man who stole a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) processor that helps prevent mid-air plane collisions between South African Airways (SAA) aircraft has been sentenced to 10 years in jail. Emmanuel Mdakane appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Friday where the sentence was handed down. Theft The TCAS processor, which helps prevent plane collisions valued at over R1.6 million, was stolen by Mdakane in January and February 2018 from the OR Tambo International Airport and was never recovered. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the court found Mdakane guilty of theft on 16 May 2025 based on evidence gathered by Saps Sergeant Mphephu Mabogo's investigations. 'The evidence revealed that the accused sold the TCAS processor to a complainant for R340 000, collected it and only refunded R40 000. The TCAS processor is a component that helps prevent mid-air collisions between aircraft. 'Junior state advocate Siyabonga Futshana further presented compelling evidence that exposed the accused's deceitful actions. The court ultimately rejected the accused's version of events, deeming it not reasonable,' Mjonondwane said. ALSO READ: SA Civil Aviation probes cause of aircraft crash in Mpumalanga Sentence welcomed Mjonondwane said the NPA welcomed the decade-long prison sentence handed down to the accused. 'This outcome underscores the justice system's resolve to tackle serious economic crimes and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. The conviction and sentence reflect the NPA's unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting public resources. 'We commend the prosecution team and law enforcement partners whose efforts led to this successful prosecution. This case serves as a clear message that financial crimes will not be tolerated and those found guilty will face the full might of the law,' Mjonondwane said. Cyberattack Earlier this month, SAA was the target of a 'significant' cyberattack that disrupted several internal operational systems. The attack temporarily disrupted access to the airline's website, mobile application and several internal operational systems. SAA said interventions minimised disruptions to core flight operations. ALSO READ: SAA hit by 'significant' cyberattack disrupting internal operations
IOL News
23-05-2025
- IOL News
Man sentenced to 10 years for stealing R1. 6 million aviation safety equipment
A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing a critical aviation safety component worth over R1.6 million from South African Airways, raising serious concerns about aviation security and the integrity of public resources A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing a critical aviation safety component valued at more than R1.6 million from South African Airways (SAA) at OR Tambo International Airport. The Kempton Park Magistrates' Court on Thursday handed down the sentence to Emmanuel Mdakane after convicting him of theft on 16 May 2025. The court found that, between January and February 2018, Mdakane stole a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) processor — a vital part of aircraft safety systems designed to prevent mid-air collisions. The processor was never recovered. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said Mdakane sold the stolen equipment to a complainant for R340,000 but refunded only R40,000 after collecting the money.
