“The purpose behind the conference is to serve the professional conservation community involved in scientific research, education and training, architectural design, construction and field projects by providing them a platform to unify their energies for the cause.”

1. Immediate Release
October 23rd, 2011
Dates set for the 3rd International
Architectural Conservation Conference and Exhibition
Dubai, UAE: The 3rd International Architectural Conservation Conference and Exhibition has been
scheduled to take place from 17-19 December, 2012 in Dubai.
The announcement was made by Dubai Municipality today at a special press conference addressed by
Obeid Salem Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General, Dubai Municipality, Rashad Mohammed Bukhash,
Director of Architectural Heritage Department, Dubai Municipality and Qaboos Khalid, Project Director,
Turret Media.
The third edition of the conference will be held under the theme of ‘Architectural Conservation: Present
and Future’, and will gather international experts in the field of conservation-restoration to exchange
expertise and new strategies for conserving historical zones and buildings, protecting heritage sites and
developing the urban landscape in a sustainable manner.
Running alongside the conference will be an exhibition and the UAE Building Heritage Week - a brand
new initiative featuring activities and competitions to honour heritage sites and buildings, and
traditional architecture across all seven Emirates.
Shamsi commented: “In light of rapid urbanization and within the shadow of modernity, architectural
heritage requires rapid intervention from the international community to not only save and protect it,
but also realize its cultural significance and instill its value in future generations.”
“The purpose behind the conference is to serve the professional conservation community involved in
scientific research, education and training, architectural design, construction and field projects by
providing them a platform to unify their energies for the cause.”
The call for papers for the conference is due to open on October 23rd, 2011 and experts at the helm of
architectural heritage conservation are being invited to participate, from across the globe. In addition,
municipalities of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, professional associations such as those for
architects and engineers and national archaeological museums have also been invited to submit their
research papers and presentations for the conference.
Rashad Mohammed Bukhash, Director of Architectural Heritage Department, announced the formation
of Organizing and Scientific Committees to oversee the conduct of the programme and undertake the
task of publishing research and work papers to be presented at the event.

2. Commenting on the themes of the conference, Bukhash said that the conference will cover discussions
on policies, strategies and decision making in historic environments through concepts and advanced
technologies; economics of conservation and sustainable environment, cultural development and
awareness management of cultural heritage in historic areas and project implementation and practical
aspects of urban conservation.
“We need to identify the notion of dynamic change in cultural heritage conservation concept and how
this change is managed in our current day practices and attitudes. The present day concept of cultural
heritage conservation addresses the development of contemporary society, its values and its
requirements. This broad understanding in today's society has led us to include and accept approaches
that were previously rejected, as long as these approaches contribute to maintaining the cultural
significance,” Bukhash said.
Dubai Municipality also announced that Turret Media, a multi award winning company behind some of
the most successful live events worldwide, will coordinate the overall preparations for the conference,
exhibition and UAE Building Heritage Week.
Qaboos Khalid, Project Director, Turret Media said: “We are proud to join forces with Dubai Municipality
in hosting the conference and exhibition, which we believe will open new doors for further development
of architectural conservation.”
Khalid added, “Our national architectural heritage can only be protected and sustained with the
cooperation of all residents in the UAE. The activities being planned in the ambit of UAE Building
Heritage Week will play a vital role in promoting the essential elements of our heritage, culture and
national identity in citizens and residents.”
-ENDS-
About Dubai Municipality -
The Dubai Municipality (DM) is a Dubai Government department (equivalent to a Dubai City Council) responsible for urban
planning, and maintenance of public facilities. Municipal affairs and services include cultural and heritage development,
apartments and buildings regulation, food control, drainage network, sewage treatment, public parks, public health and
safety, and various other municipal affairs and services. For more information visit: www.dm.gov.ae
About Turret Media -
A multi award winning company, Turret Media has conceptualised, developed and launched some of the most successful live
events in the world and is a leading publisher within several market sectors in the Middle East.
Following more than 50 years of experience in the United Kingdom, Turret Media migrated its business headquarters to the
UAE in 2006 after becoming a foundation partner of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company. Turret Media has since
been behind numerous exhibitions, conferences and consumer events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai that collectively attract
some 1,400 exhibitors and deliver more than 120,000 visitors in industry sectors as diverse as renewable energy, IT, gourmet
food and waste management. For more information visit: www.turretme.com
For more information, please contact
Mr. Omar Al-Marr Miss. Layla Haroon
T: +971 206 3119 M: +971 50 5500442 T: +971 2 401 2830 M: +971 50 905 9602
E: omarri@dm.gov.ae E: l.haroon@turretme.com