At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah

Conservation of Earth Vernacular Settlements. A Case Study of El-Dakhla Oasis, Egypt

Dedication to key factors—such as training local inhabitants, enabling community participation, and activating civil institutions—ensures the successful conservation of earth vernacular settlements. This study identifies these critical elements through a comparative analysis of El-Dakhla Oasis (Egypt) alongside At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah (Saudi Arabia) and Kasr of Ait-Ben-Haddou (Morocco), regions facing similar challenges of neglect and policy incoherence. By adopting an inductive approach, the research evaluates conservation strategies while avoiding past errors, emphasizing sustainable preservation methods that preserve cultural identity, economic resources, and local development. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating community-driven initiatives into heritage conservation plans.