The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and Getty Conservation Institute Partner to Host Earthen Heritage Conservation Training - Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and Getty Conservation Institute Partner to Host Earthen Heritage Conservation Training

09 Nov, 2022

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in partnership with the Getty Conservation Institute, launched the 2nd edition of the International Course on the Conservation of Earthen Architecture on 22 October. The course, which will run until November 19, aims to further enhance the practice of earthen heritage conservation by providing practical training for mid-career professionals from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia regions.

Following the success of its first session in 2018, this one-month course targets practice and theory of the conservation of earthen historic buildings and archaeological sites, including conservation theory, material analysis, documentation and diagnosis, preventive conservation, structural interventions and rehabilitation. The location of Al Ain has been chosen due to its rich earthen heritage and the variety of conservation projects implemented there by DCT Abu Dhabi over the last decade.

Jaber Saleh Al Merri, Director of the Historic Environment department at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "Despite being the oldest and most widespread building type in the world, earthen architecture faces many threats to its preservation. Although the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia hold most of the world's earthen architecture, there are few targeted training opportunities for professionals working in the region on the conservation of earthen heritage. By holding the International Course on the Conservation of Earthen Architecture for a second time, DCT Abu Dhabi is demonstrating a commitment to building capacity in the region for professionals working in this critical field."

This latest edition of the course, taught by local and international experts, will make use of some of the earthen sites within the World Heritage Site of Al Ain to support the lectures, discussions, laboratory sessions, demonstrations, and field exercises which will allow participants to acquire knowledge of fundamental conservation theories, approaches and techniques.

The International Course on the Conservation of Earthen Architecture is part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s wider efforts to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of the UAE, the wider region, and beyond. DCT Abu Dhabi partners with esteemed organisations from around the world to advance conservation practice and raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding heritage.

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