Al Ain City Chosen As Venue For The 14th Terra World Congress On Earthen Architectural Heritage In 2026

The Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that Al Ain City will host the 14th Terra World Congress on Earthen Architectural Heritage. This event, organised by the International Scientific Committee on Earthen Architectural Heritage (ICOMOS-ISCEAH), is scheduled from 13th to 16th April 2026. The congress will focus on various aspects of earthen architecture, including archaeological sites and modern construction techniques.

Al Ain City's selection as the host city for 2026 signifies a major achievement for the UAE. It marks the first time an Arab country will host this international event, highlighting the nation's growing influence in earthen architecture globally. The congress aims to foster research and innovation while promoting the preservation of earthen architectural heritage.

DCT Abu Dhabi has proposed the main theme for Terra 2026, titled ‘Managing Change in Earthen Cultural Landscapes’. Several sub-themes will be explored during the event. These include ‘Transmitting Earthen Heritage and Architecture’, ‘Safeguarding Earthen Cultural Landscapes’, ‘Innovations in Earthen Architecture and Earthen Cultural Landscapes’, and ‘Resilience to Vulnerabilities of Earthen Cultural Landscapes’.

These sub-themes aim to address various aspects such as knowledge transfer, conservation strategies, innovative techniques, and long-term protection against vulnerabilities. The focus is on sharing best practices and ensuring sustainable management of earthen cultural landscapes.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Under-Secretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed pride in hosting the congress. "The UAE's selection as the first Arab country to host the Terra World Congress on Earthen Architectural Heritage is a significant milestone, signalling the nation's rising leadership in heritage preservation and earthen architecture," he stated. This event offers a platform for dialogue with local leaders and experts on conserving earthen architectural legacy.

The congress will bring together leading researchers and practitioners from around the world. This gathering aims to solidify the UAE's position as a hub for excellence and innovation in earthen architecture. It also highlights DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving a key aspect of the nation’s architectural identity.

Preparatory Programmes

In preparation for Terra 2026, DCT Abu Dhabi plans to collaborate with local and international organisations. They will organise programmes that celebrate and promote earthen architecture while building capacity in this field. These initiatives aim to enhance understanding and appreciation of earthen architectural heritage among diverse audiences.

The call for paper submissions is now open for those interested in contributing to this global dialogue on earthen architecture. Submissions can be made through their official website: https://terraalain2026.ae.

This upcoming congress represents an opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts worldwide. It underscores the importance of preserving cultural landscapes while embracing innovation in construction methods.

With inputs from WAM