Meet the Heritage Team

Dr. Daniel Eddisford is the founder and director of Heritage International and has over 20 years of experience in the heritage sector. He holds a Ph.D. from Durham University in the history and archaeology of the Middle East and has held senior roles with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, and the International Association for the Study of Arabia. Daniel has led major heritage projects across the Middle East, including large-scale landscape surveys, building recording, and deeply stratified excavations. His expertise supports sustainable heritage management, stakeholder engagement, and the interpretation of archaeological sites for museums and the public.

With over 20 years of experience in the heritage sector, Freya leads Heritage International’s Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) projects. She has worked extensively across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, specializing in heritage consultancy, project management, archaeological fieldwork, and capacity building. Freya has held senior roles at AECOM and Kabbani Construction Group, managing complex heritage projects and ensuring projects align with regulatory and environmental standards. She excels in stakeholder engagement, site management, and capacity-building field schools. Holding an M.A. in Archaeology from University College London, Freya is committed to heritage preservation, research, and sustainable management of cultural resources.

Dr. Michel de Vreeze is an expert in the archaeology of Arabia and the Eastern Mediterranean, with over 20 years of experience in archaeological investigations, heritage planning, and material studies. Specializing in prehistoric archaeology and ceramics, he focuses on Bronze and Iron Age cultures. Holding a Ph.D. from Durham University, he has led excavations and surveys in the UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, and Oman. As a ceramic specialist, he applies advanced analytical techniques to study ancient material culture, contributing to heritage preservation and archaeological research across the region.

Despoina is a digital archaeologist specializing in immersive storytelling, archaeogaming, and public engagement with heritage. With a Ph.D. from the University of York, her research explores narrative-driven digital tools for archaeology, including interactive media, gaming, and virtual reality. She has worked extensively in heritage education, excavation, and digital outreach, organizing innovative workshops and conferences on archaeogaming and heritage decolonization. Passionate about making archaeology accessible, Despoina collaborates on projects that bring the past to life through technology, fostering inclusive and engaging heritage experiences for diverse audiences.

Cordelia is a qualified Land Surveyor, with over 20 years of experience as an archaeological surveyor and excavator specializing in Middle Eastern heritage. She has worked extensively across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, and the UK, contributing to major projects such as the IDIHA Survey Project in Saudi Arabia and the Origins of Doha Project in Qatar. Skilled in GIS, 3D laser scanning, and topographic mapping, she has led survey teams and post-excavation analysis for large-scale heritage initiatives. Holding an MSc in Surveying from University College London, Cordelia applies cutting-edge digital techniques to document and preserve the region’s rich archaeological landscapes.

Ben is an archaeologist with over 10 years of experience in the heritage sector, specializing in commercial and research projects across the UK, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, and Abu Dhabi. His extensive work in the Middle East has provided him with deep knowledge of the region’s archaeology and heritage. Ben excels in project management, leading fieldwork teams, and producing high-quality reports and publications. His expertise spans archaeological investigations, heritage planning, and material studies, contributing to the preservation and understanding of cultural landscapes across the region.

Julius is an archaeologist with over a decade of experience in Africa, Europe, and Arabia. He specializes in prehistoric archaeology, material culture analysis, and archaeological documentation. Holding an MA in the Archaeology of the Arab and Islamic World from University College London, Qatar, he is currently pursuing a PhD at the Complutense University of Madrid. Julius has worked on key projects in Qatar, Sudan, Morocco, and Tanzania, contributing to excavations, surveys, and heritage management. His research focuses on early human migration and cultural transformations, combining field archaeology with advanced analytical techniques to enhance our understanding of ancient societies.

Sam is a ceramics specialist with extensive international fieldwork experience, focusing on the Bronze and Iron Ages. He is a PhD candidate at Leiden University, where his research examines Aksumite ceramic finds from the Horn of Africa, Oman, and India. Sam has worked as a ceramic specialist and Finds Director on major archaeological projects across the Middle East, including in Oman and the UAE. His expertise in material culture and ceramic analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of ancient trade networks and settlement patterns. He has published extensively on Arabian archaeology and heritage.