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The third edition of the International Course on Earthen Architecture Conservation (EAC), a collaborative effort between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) took place in February 2025. We speak to Amel Chabbi, Conservation Section Head, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi on the evolution of this program and its learnings.
- Can you tell us about the 2025 edition of the International Course on Earthen Architecture Conservation (EAC) and how it has evolved since the previous editions?
Chabbi: The third International Course on Earthen Architecture Conservation built on the success of the previous two courses in 2018 and 2022, which took place in Al Ain, UAE and Oman. This year, it garnered great demand, with over 100 applications, and the selection was more rigorous. We chose 20 participants from the MENASA region with competitive applications and varied backgrounds such as archaeology, architecture, material science, urban planning and engineering.
Similar to the previous two courses, the curriculum covered a variety of topics, including conservation theory and principles, mechanisms of decay, conservation interventions, materials testing, and more. It was taught by 14 leading experts and instructors in the field of conservation of earthen materials, including from DCT Abu Dhabi’s Historic Environment Department.
This year, we introduced a new module related to climate change and disaster risk management. Additionally, the didactic materials of the course, which have been refined over the last three editions, will be published in English and Arabic as a valuable resource and reference.
- Why is the conservation of earthen architecture particularly important in the MENASA region?
Chabbi: Across the world, including the Arabian Peninsula, earth has remained a fundamental construction material for millennia. However, despite efforts to preserve and protect these significant sites, earthen structures globally are at risk of disappearing due to abandonment, demolition, and replacement with present-day materials.
While the MENASA region holds much of the world’s earthen architecture, there are limited targeted training opportunities available for professionals working in the region on the conservation of earthen heritage.
This is why, together with the Getty Conservation Institute, DCT Abu Dhabi has developed the International Course on the Conservation of Earthen Architecture. Through this, we aim to improve the practice of earthen heritage conservation by providing practical training for mid-career professionals from the MENASA region. It is a unique opportunity for them to refine their skills and acquire practical, hands-on expertise and experience in this specialised field by learning from and practicing on earthen heritage sites in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and in Nizwa, Oman.
The conservation of earthen architecture is a need of the hour, and this course is a testament of DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promoting, preserving, and protecting earthen heritage, which is not only a hallmark of the emirate’s architectural identity, but also a shared building tradition globally.
- What are the biggest challenges in preserving earthen heritage sites today, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas like Abu Dhabi?
Chabbi: Earth has been recognised as one of the most versatile, ecological, resourceful, and sustainable building materials for millennia. It is estimated that about 15-17% of the world’s population still live in earthen dwellings. However, this number is rapidly decreasing, due to the disappearance of earthen architecture across regions and continents.
In the last few decades, earthen heritage has faced a number of challenges such as climate change, natural catastrophe, man-made disasters, environmental degradation, a lack of heritage protection, and the pressure of modern living in a globalised world. Due to a lack of knowledge and awareness in several countries, including those in MENASA, earthen heritage has even become exposed to incorrect interventions, and even gentrification.[1] Rapid urbanisation and the impact of climate change are challenges to earthen heritage sites.
This is why earthen conservation is a priority right now. Regular maintenance, preparedness, and maintaining traditional skills are crucial. By implementing these initiatives, DCT Abu Dhabi continues to drive forward-thinking conservation approaches that balance heritage preservation with environmental sustainability.
- Can you share insights on the research into traditional materials, and how they are being adapted for modern conservation efforts?
Chabbi: Since the establishment of DCT Abu Dhabi, we have made significant progress in establishing and upholding best practices for conservation, particularly in the preservation of earthen heritage sites. Several landmark projects, including Al Jahili Fort, Qasr Al Muwaiji, and Al Qattara Arts Centre, stand as testaments to our efforts in earthen conservation, demonstrating both local and international impact.
In recent years, especially, there has been growing interest in the use of traditional materials for modern conservation efforts. This is particularly in the preservation of earthen architecture. Research focuses on understanding the composition, techniques, and cultural significance of materials such as mud brick, earthen plasters, and palm fronds, which have long been used in the construction of historic structures across the region, including the UAE.
By studying these materials, conservation experts can identify ways to enhance their durability while maintaining authenticity. For instance, advancements in material science[2] allow for the stabilisation of mud bricks with natural additives, improving their resistance to erosion without compromising their original character. Similarly, certain plasters are being revived due to their breathability and compatibility with earthen substrates, preventing damage caused by moisture buildup.[3]
We also aim to bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Through collaborations with local artisans and researchers, these efforts not only protect heritage sites but also ensure that age-old building practices are preserved for future generations. This approach is particularly valuable in the context of sustainable development, as earthen materials are environmentally friendly and well-suited to the region’s climate.
Beyond specific projects, one of our most notable achievements has been the advancement of conservation methodologies by integrating modern techniques into earthen site preservation. Innovations such as structural stabilisation using fiberglass rods and geogrid mesh — implemented at Al Murabba’a Fort and Qasr Al Muwaiji — have significantly enhanced structural integrity while maintaining the authenticity of these sites.
Additionally, the first-ever underground waterproofing system for an earthen heritage site was successfully implemented at Al Qattara Arts Centre’s main gate, following extensive assessments and calculations. These pioneering interventions have been carefully monitored over time, proving their effectiveness and long-term resilience in safeguarding earthen architecture.
By integrating traditional materials with contemporary conservation efforts, Abu Dhabi is setting a global example for preserving cultural identity while adapting to modern needs.
- The course focused on hands-on learning, with nearly 50% dedicated to practical activities. What kind of skills and knowledge did participants gain from these sessions?
Chabbi: Participants learned fundamental theories of conservation through lectures, discussions, laboratory sessions, demonstrations, site visits, and field exercises. They also explored the advances in technology and research that have influenced practical approaches to earthen architecture conservation.
The course was led by a team of local and international professionals from various disciplines, all recognised in the field of earthen architecture conservation. The course instructors used Al Ain as an open-air laboratory for participants to learn practical, hands-on methods for preserving earthen buildings and archaeological sites.
Participants built skills and knowledge in areas including conservation theory and principles, mechanisms of decay, methods of recording for documentation and analysis, maintenance and preventative conservation, climate change and disaster risk management, developing rehabilitation and adaptive re-use projects for earthen buildings, and much more. The course concluded with a study trip to Nizwa, Oman, where the participants carried out an exercise on the conservation of urban settlements made of earth.
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