Dubai Municipality announces 3rd International Architectural Conservation Conference and Exhibition

Hundreds of engineers and architects from around the world are set to descend upon Dubai this month to tackle the importance of building a future which preserves, protects and respects the past.

The third edition of the International Architectural Conservation Conference and Exhibition (IACCE), scheduled to open next week, will bring together local, regional and international representatives of cultural heritage from around the world to address issues regarding architectural conservation.

The three-day event, taking place from 17-19 December at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will feature a series of conference sessions under the theme 'architectural conservation: present and future' by a panel of experts from leading academic, government and cultural organisations.

More than 130 professionals from 31 countries will present papers outlining their strategies for conserving historical buildings, protecting heritage sites and developing the urban landscape in a sustainable manner.

Keynote speakers at the event include His Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President and Chairman of the Board, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities in Saudi Arabia and Sheikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture and Information in Bahrain.

Gustavo Araoz, Chairman of the International Council on Monuments and Sites in France, will deliver and address the importance of conservation in a time of rapid change while Stefano De Caro, Director-General of ICCROM in Italy will address the importance of training in the field of architectural conservation.

Raef Najim, Former Minister of Islamic Waqf in Jordan will give a speech on 'Jerusalem, architectural challenge against occupation'.

Conference delegates will join hosted tours to significant sites in Dubai including Al Shindagha and Al Fahidi, one of the oldest residential areas in Dubai, including Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest existing building in Dubai as well as a visit to architecturally significant projects such as the Burj Khalifa, The Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality, IACCE is sponsored by Nakheel, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) and Engineering Contracting Co (ECC) and supported by UNESCO, Architectural Heritage Society, Society of Engineers ICOMOS, ICCROM, and ATHAR programme.

The conference culminates on Wednesday (19 December) with recommendations outlined throughout the 3 days of the conference that would be later sent to the attendees.