Similar to other regions, the importance of heritage in the Arab region stems not only from the fact that it is the conveyor of civilizations that lived in this part of the world, but also represents the identity of local communities on these territories and expresses their authenticity. A community thus plays a fundamental role in the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage. In light of the challenges facing the protection of cultural heritage in the Arab region from conflicts and environmental risks, it has become crucial to build a dialogue and a platform to explore the interrelation between communities and heritage conservation, how the possible risks and threats to their historic places can be reduced or mitigated, as well as how sustainability can be achieved for the heritage sector at large, by fostering regional and international cooperation in this field.

In this broad context, under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah, ICCROM’s Regional Office for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ICCROM-Sharjah), in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, is organising the 4th Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage, which will discuss the notion of the culture of Omran (baukultur) and explore the role of communities in building cultural heritage resilience.

This Forum will serve as an opportunity to highlight the ways in which a community can safeguard cultural heritage from the threats it faces, highlighting the role that culture can play as a tool for resilience-building and preservation of historical environments – before, during and after any type of crisis. This forum will explore the concept of culture of the built environment and focus on the community dimension and adaptation stemming from local contexts largely embodied in traditional knowledge as tools for the resilience and sustainability of cultural heritage and historical living environments. 

In its fourth edition, the Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage, as a platform for interdisciplinary discussions addressing topics relevant to the essence of cultural heritage, its protection and definition, will focus on the consolidation of the concept of culture of built environment (Omran) in the context of the Arab thought, and its relevance to heritage, by addressing the challenges faced by communities in preserving it in times of crises. The Forum will bring together eminent speakers, academics and professional practitioners, to highlight community practices and conceptual approaches rooted in the region for the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage.