Sana'a – Sana'a University Media
Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Jumada al-Awwal 14, 1448 Hijri)
In a scientific and academic achievement that reflects Sana'a University's distinguished presence in Arab research forums, Prof. Ghailan Hamoud Ghailan, Professor of Archaeology at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Sana'a University and a member of the Board of Directors of the Arab Council of the General Union of Arab Archaeologists, has been awarded the Council's 2026 Award, presented in the name of Prof. Hessa bint Obaid bin Suwayan Al-Shammeri (may she rest in peace), in the category of Best Research in Islamic Architecture.
This award recognizes outstanding research outputs addressing restoration, preventive conservation, and the preservation of Islamic architectural heritage, extending to the development and rehabilitation of historical Islamic sites. This scientific approach aligns with global trends that aim to transform architectural heritage from a remnant of the past into a living civilizational project.
The announcement of the winners was made during the 38th session of the Council's Board of Directors, held at the Council's headquarters in Sheikh Zayed City under the chairmanship of Prof. Mohammed Mohammed Al-Kahlawi, President of the Arab Council of the General Union of Arab Archaeologists. The session brought together a distinguished group of senior professors, experts, archaeological inspectors, and representatives of heritage institutions from across the Arab world. The submitted research entries were carefully evaluated in accordance with rigorous scientific review procedures. This year's award went to a Yemeni researcher competing against prominent academics from universities in Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
This award comes as a testament to the distinguished research career of Prof. Ghailan Hamoud Ghailan, who has combined theoretical foundations with in-depth field research in Islamic archaeology and architectural heritage. It also recognizes his active institutional role as a member of the Board of Directors of the Arab Council of Arab Archaeologists, through which he has contributed to building bridges of Arab scientific cooperation and strengthening the presence of Yemeni archaeological research on regional scientific agendas. This reflects the standing of Yemeni universities as exemplary contributors to specialized knowledge production.
The award is expected to be presented to Prof. Ghailan at a scientific ceremony to be held on the sidelines of the 12th International Conference of the General Union of Arab Archaeologists on Saturday, November 21, 2026. The ceremony will be attended by distinguished scientific and cultural figures, ministers, ambassadors, and individuals interested in heritage affairs across the Arab world. It will mark an Arab celebration of Yemeni scholarship and stand as a testament to its continued contributions despite all circumstances.
Through this outstanding scientific achievement, Sana'a University adds another recognized Arab accomplishment to its academic record, reinforcing its presence in regional scientific competitions. It also reaffirms the image of the Yemeni researcher as an active partner in shaping Arab civilizational knowledge and a dedicated custodian of Islamic architectural memory and its continuity across generations.
For further details, please visit the following link to the Arab Council of the General Union of Arab Archaeologists:
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1593297682832521&id=100064569137079&rdid=cDx8hUr5HvPGonWq#
*Summary*
Sana'a University strengthens its scientific presence in the Arab world as Prof. Ghailan Hamoud Ghailan wins the 2026 Arab Council of Arab Archaeologists Award for Best Research in Islamic Architecture.
