Workshop on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Surveying of Archaeological Sites in Kuwait
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation held a workshop, titled, “Workshop on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Surveying of Archaeological Sites” in Kuwait on October 10-17, 2025, as a part of the Activities for Exchanges in International Cooperation for Conservation of Cultural Heritage sponsored by the Agency of Cultural affairs. This workshop built upon previous workshops conducted in Bahrain and Japan, focusing specifically on large-scale surveying of archaeological sites such as cities and fortresses.
This training program was conducted in collaboration with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), Department of Antiquities and Museums, and Kuwait University. A total of 15 experts from the institutions and the Kuwait National Museum participated. Participants received lectures on UAV, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and 3D digital documentation techniques, and then worked on creating 3D models of archaeological sites using sample data. Additionally, on Failaka Island in eastern Kuwait, all participants conducted UAV surveys of archaeological sites of the Hellenistic period. Using the captured data, they created 3D models and learned how to utilize the data for studies and how to perform large-scale surveys of archaeological sites.
Not only Kuwait, but other Gulf countries possess numerous cultural heritage sites. However, there is concern over a shortage of personnel to document and preserve this cultural heritage. It is hoped that learning such efficient methods will help resolve some of these challenges.