emirates7 - The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has revealed an impressive roster of collaborators for the 14th edition of the Terra World Congress on Earthen Architecture, set to take place in Al Ain from 13 to 16 April 2026.
Held under the theme “Managing Change in Earthen Cultural Landscapes,” the Congress features a robust programme developed in partnership with leading global institutions in heritage conservation, architecture, and sustainability. The initiative aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and promote innovation in the field of earthen architecture.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including keynote lectures, interactive workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, design competitions, guided site visits, and an awards ceremony.
Co-organised with the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Earthen Architectural Heritage (ICOMOS-ISCEAH), the Congress brings together a number of influential partners. These include the ALIPH Foundation, the International Centre for Earthen Construction (CRATerre), the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), Proterra, So Hath – 100 Hands Foundation for Building Artisans, the Royal Institute of British Architects – GCC chapter (RIBA-GCC), Al Ain Municipality, and multiple ICOMOS scientific committees (ISCARSAH, ISCCL, CIPA). Other supporters include the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Climate Heritage Network, ICCROM Heritage Place Lab, and local academic institutions such as Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates University, and Zayed University.
Partner-led initiatives will span the full timeline of the Congress—before, during, and after the event—and will align with the Congress’s key themes: “Transmitting Earthen Heritage and Architecture,” “Safeguarding Earthen Cultural Landscapes,” “Innovations in Earthen Architecture,” and “Resilience to Vulnerabilities of Earthen Cultural Landscapes.”
Hosting the Congress in Al Ain marks a historic achievement, as the UAE becomes the first Arab country to welcome this prestigious international event. It highlights the nation’s growing prominence in the global discourse on earthen architecture.
The 14th Terra World Congress reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to preserving the UAE’s unique architectural heritage. By facilitating knowledge sharing, advancing innovative conservation methods, and promoting sustainable practices, DCT Abu Dhabi is working to ensure that the country’s earthen legacy is valued and protected for future generations.
Held under the theme “Managing Change in Earthen Cultural Landscapes,” the Congress features a robust programme developed in partnership with leading global institutions in heritage conservation, architecture, and sustainability. The initiative aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and promote innovation in the field of earthen architecture.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including keynote lectures, interactive workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, design competitions, guided site visits, and an awards ceremony.
Co-organised with the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Earthen Architectural Heritage (ICOMOS-ISCEAH), the Congress brings together a number of influential partners. These include the ALIPH Foundation, the International Centre for Earthen Construction (CRATerre), the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), Proterra, So Hath – 100 Hands Foundation for Building Artisans, the Royal Institute of British Architects – GCC chapter (RIBA-GCC), Al Ain Municipality, and multiple ICOMOS scientific committees (ISCARSAH, ISCCL, CIPA). Other supporters include the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Climate Heritage Network, ICCROM Heritage Place Lab, and local academic institutions such as Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates University, and Zayed University.
Partner-led initiatives will span the full timeline of the Congress—before, during, and after the event—and will align with the Congress’s key themes: “Transmitting Earthen Heritage and Architecture,” “Safeguarding Earthen Cultural Landscapes,” “Innovations in Earthen Architecture,” and “Resilience to Vulnerabilities of Earthen Cultural Landscapes.”
Hosting the Congress in Al Ain marks a historic achievement, as the UAE becomes the first Arab country to welcome this prestigious international event. It highlights the nation’s growing prominence in the global discourse on earthen architecture.
The 14th Terra World Congress reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to preserving the UAE’s unique architectural heritage. By facilitating knowledge sharing, advancing innovative conservation methods, and promoting sustainable practices, DCT Abu Dhabi is working to ensure that the country’s earthen legacy is valued and protected for future generations.