Between preservation and presentation: conservation of Al Jazeera Al Hamra’s architectural heritage in a challenging environment

Abstract

Al Jazeera Al Hamra (Jazīrat al-Ḥamrāʾ) is one of the last surviving pearling settlements in the Arabian Gulf and represents an important example of traditional coastal architecture in the region. Located within a saline coastal environment, the site faces conditions such as humidity and salt-laden sands that accelerate the deterioration of traditional building materials.

The conservation of the Friday Mosque (D‑004), a multi-phase archaeological structure within the settlement, forms part of a long-term conservation project for Al Jazeera Al Hamra led by the Department of Antiquities and Museums of Ras Al Khaimah. This study examines the deterioration affecting the exposed remains and the conservation strategy adopted to stabilize the structures while preserving the legibility of the different construction phases and maintaining the authenticity of the archaeological fabric. The case demonstrates the challenge of achieving a balance between preservation and presentation while ensuring the long-term protection of archaeological remains in a coastal environment.