Iccrom – Athar Regional Conservation Centre, based in the vibrant city of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, stands as a pivotal intergovernmental organization dedicated to the rigorous and thoughtful preservation of cultural heritage across the dynamic Arab States region. As a regional office of the esteemed ICCROM, our mission transcends mere conservation; we are committed to safeguarding the invaluable legacy of diverse civilizations, ensuring their continued existence for future generations. We provide unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge resources, and strategic guidance to institutions and professionals actively engaged in heritage preservation within the UAE and beyond.
Our core mandate at Iccrom – Athar involves delivering comprehensive conservation training programs, fostering innovative research initiatives, and building robust capacity among cultural heritage professionals. We meticulously work towards the preservation and restoration of cultural artifacts and historic sites, addressing the unique environmental, social, and logistical challenges prevalent in this significant region. Through our dedicated efforts, headquartered in Sharjah, we empower experts with the latest methodologies and promote global best practices in cultural heritage management, cementing our role as a leader in regional and international heritage protection.
Iccrom - Athar Regional Conservation Centre is a regional office of ICCROM, an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage globally. Based in Sharjah, UAE, it specifically focuses on heritage preservation in the Arab States region.
Our regional centre, Athar, is strategically located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, serving as a hub for cultural heritage initiatives across the Arab region.
Athar Centre provides specialized training programs, conducts critical research, offers expert consultations, and delivers capacity-building initiatives for cultural heritage professionals.
Our programs are designed for cultural heritage professionals, government officials, institutions, researchers, and anyone involved in the preservation and management of heritage in the Arab States.
We focus on the conservation and restoration of various forms of tangible cultural heritage, including historical buildings, archaeological sites, museum collections, and cultural artifacts within the Arab States.
Interested professionals can find information on upcoming training programs and application procedures on the official ICCROM website (www.iccrom.org) or by contacting us directly via info@iccrom.org.
Yes, we actively collaborate with regional and international partners, including ministries of culture, universities, museums, and other heritage organizations, to strengthen cultural heritage conservation efforts.
Our main objectives include enhancing professional capabilities, promoting international best practices, fostering regional cooperation, and addressing the unique challenges faced by cultural heritage in the Arab States.
Support can be offered through institutional partnerships, participating in our programs, disseminating our research, or reaching out to us for potential collaborative initiatives aimed at heritage protection.
Our uniqueness stems from our intergovernmental status, specialized regional focus on the Arab States, and our holistic approach combining global expertise with local relevance in training, research, and capacity building for heritage preservation.