Al-Ain’s Cultural Landscape: Identity, Innovation and Sustainability in a Challenging Economy

Al-Ain, the second-largest city in Abu Dhabi Emirate, faces systemic fragility as its traditional urban fabric and cultural identity grapple with rapid expansion and economic pressures. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 for its archaeological sites and oases, Al-Ain's growth has accelerated post-oil discovery, replacing traditional typologies with new constructions inspired by diverse models. This study examines the conflict between identity preservation and innovation, highlighting how urban transformation and regenerative processes are reshaping the city's landscape while challenging its sustainability. The research focuses on the interaction between place-specific history and modern development, revealing a delicate balance between heritage conservation and economic adaptation.

Caratelli, P., Misuri, M. A., & El Amrousi, M. (2019). Al-Ain’s Cultural Landscape: Identity, Innovation and Sustainability in a Challenging Economy International Review for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development, 7(3), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.14246/irspsda.7.3_45