Updates

Strengthening Archaeological Heritage Conservation: National Training Course Launched in Saudi Arabia
05 Dec 2025

Strengthening Archaeological Heritage Conservation: National Training Course Launched in Saudi Arabia

The national training course on the Conservation of Archaeological Sites (CSA) in Saudi Arabia, organized by ICCROM and the Heritage Commission, was launched in Riyadh last week. This ten-module programme will run from 25 November 2025 to 21 May 2026.

Deadline extended to 27 October 2025

The Heritage Commission of the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property) are organizing a national training course on the Conservation of Archaeological Sites in Saudi Arabia from 25 November 2025 to 21 May 2026.  

Structured into 10 Modules and spanning 48 days of training over the 6 months, the course will impart diverse skills to built heritage professionals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia such as documentation, condition diagnosis, analyzing historic structures and materials, and developing treatments for conservation and management of archaeological sites.  

Learning Objectives 

By the end of the course, participants will: 

  1. Understand conservation and management processes at material, building, site, and territorial levels.
  2. Strengthen their strategic planning skills.
  3. Expand their knowledge of current principles and practices in archaeological site conservation.
  4. Enhance their skills and judgment, with a focus on sustainability. 

Who Should Apply? 

This course is for mid-career professionals in Saudi Arabia involved in the conservation and management of built heritage, especially archaeological sites. It equips participants with theoretical background and practical skills to tackle conservation and management challenges and supports Saudi Arabia’s cultural tourism goals under Vision 2030. 

Participation Category 

Built Heritage Conservation Professionals 

  • Architects, engineers, archaeologists, material scientists and planners in the public or private sector in the heritage field in Saudi Arabia.  
  • Professionals actively engaged in archaeological site/built heritage conservation and management.  
  • Individuals committed to cultural heritage preservation and the application of conservation principles in their work. 
  • Selected participants will engage in discussions, hands-on exercises, lab work, and fieldwork. 

Selection Criteria 

Applicants should: 

  1. Have at least two years of experience in conservation and management of built heritage, with backgrounds in architecture, archaeology, engineering, or material sciences, and with approximately 5 to 7 years of work experience.
  2. Be in a position to influence conservation practices or have the potential to disseminate course insights to a wider audience.
  3. Have dual language (Arabic and English) capabilities. 

Travel, accommodation and living expenses 

Participants will be responsible for their round-trip travel costs to and from Riyadh, Wadi Al Dawasir, Jeddah, and Hail, as well as the costs for their accommodation and living expenses in Riyadh, Wadi Al Dawasir, and Hail. 

The cost of accommodation in Jeddah will be covered by the Heritage Commission. 

Modules 

  • Module 1 – Concepts & Principles (25, 26, 27, 29 & 30 Nov 2025)
  • Module 2 – Factors & Management (1–3 Dec 2025)
  • Module 3 – Documentation (25–29 Jan 2026)
  • Module 4 – Condition Diagnosis (31 Jan–4 Feb 2026)
  • Module 5 – Understanding and Analyzing Historic Structures (4–8 Apr 2026)
  • Module 6 – Understanding and Analyzing Historic Materials (29 Mar–2 Apr 2026)
  • Module 7 – Investigation of Material Characteristics and Deterioration Processes (26–30 Apr 2026)
  • Module 8 – Developing Conservation Treatments (2–7 May 2026)
  • Module 9 – Conservation and Management Planning (9–14 May 2026)
  • Module 10 – Linking the Investigations with Consolidated Conservation and Management Proposal (16–21 May 2026)

Certificate of Participation

Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation upon successful completion of the course.  Participants are expected to attend all lectures and activities over the full length of the course in order to qualify for the final Certificate of Participation.   

Language 

The course is conducted in English and Arabic; participants must be conversant in both languages. 

Application Process 

First stage 

Complete the online application form, which includes the following: 

  • Summary of your educational background and professional experience. 
  • Statement of intent outlining your experience in built heritage conservation and management, as well as your motivation for taking this course and what you hope to learn. 

Upload: 

  • Case study that draws on a project you have been involved in relation to built heritage conservation and management (formats: pdf, doc, docx; max. 4 MB).  
  • Information about the heritage site and institution you are affiliated with (formats: pdf, doc, docx; max. 4 MB).  
  • Curriculum Vitae (formats: pdf, doc, docx; max. 4 MB).  
  • Official Endorsement from line manager (formats: pdf, doc, docx, jpg, jpeg, png, tif, tiff; max. 4 MB).  

Second stage 

After the applications are evaluated, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. 

Application Deadline 

Submit your application by 27 October 2025  

Apply here

For further information, please contact: CSA2025@iccrom.org