Under the patronage of H.H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates.

Partners

• ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property)
• The Government of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates:
  • Sharjah Department of Information and Culture
  • Sharjah Museums Department
  • American University of Sharjah
  • University of Sharjah
• DGCS Directorate General of Development Co-operation, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

With the additional support of:

• ALECSO (Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization)
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre (WHC)
• US Department of State, United States

Duration: 5 weeks (30 September – 29 October 2009)

Place: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Participants
Twenty-two heritage professionals from different academic and professional backgrounds, from Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Aim
The overall aim was to establish and develop qualifications and build capacities among conservation professionals in the Arab Region. Specifically, it sought to enhance conservation and development with specific regards to traditional materials in masonry and the conservation of damp buildings.

Activities
This interactive course consisted of both theoretical and practical components which took place in the classroom, laboratory and on cultural heritage sites. The following topics were covered:

• use of materials in regional architecture;
• historic buildings and materials technology and analysis;
• analysis and treatment of stone masonry, mortars and plasters;
• dampness in buildings - analysis and control;
• conservation of earthen architecture and management of historic ensembles.

Main achievements
Participants acquired a critical approach to the conservation of heritage sites in Arab countries by:

• familiarizing themselves with traditional materials in masonry and
  earthen structures used, as well as their strengths and weaknesses;
• identifying priorities for appropriate conservation and treatment
  interventions of the above;
• understanding the mechanical, chemical and electrolytic processes
  involved;
• examining factors and causes of dampness of buildings;
• recognizing methods for traditional means of water protection;
• identifying the appropriate treatments of dampness, taking into
  consideration the advantages and disadvantages of each.

updated on: 27 January, 2010