Objectives
The Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi (DCT) commissioned CRAterre to assist with the conservation and enhancement of the Hili 2 archaeological site, one of the 17 components of the Al Ain Cultural Sites, a serial property inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011.
The Hili 2 site, excavated in the 1970s and left exposed to the open air, was undergoing gradual degradation due to erosion, particularly affecting the 3,000-year-old Iron Age structures. The DCT requested CRAterre to develop a comprehensive preservation methodology that could serve as a reference for other archaeological sites in Abu Dhabi.
The project encompassed several key stages: a thorough diagnostic assessment, material experimentation, the definition of a conservation strategy, and the creation of a detailed preservation and valorization plan. The implementation of the solutions was then carried out after approval from the scientific committee, composed of archaeologists and DCT representatives. Extensive work campaigns helped slow down the degradation processes, using techniques such as backfilling, partial reconstruction of eroded bases, and the application of sacrificial coatings, particularly on the summits (capping).
Results
Results of Phases 1–3 (diagnosis and planning)
- Engagement with stakeholders and extensive collection of historical, archaeological and technical documentation.
- Assessment of natural and built environments, identification of structural pathologies and understanding of decay mechanisms.
- Laboratory and field tests to determine appropriate earthen materials for conservation.Definition and validation of the:
* statement of significance,
* conservation vision statement,
* site narrative and visitor circulation,
* conservation measures for each structure and for the overall drainage. - Production of consolidated documentation: scientific publications, reports, technical drawings and educational material.
Results of Phases 4 & 5 (implementation)
- Holistic implementation of conservation measures protecting all 15 structures from identified risks and future deterioration.
- 30 weeks of fieldwork (October 2018 – September 2019) with 15–40 DCT labourers supervised by a multidisciplinary CRAterre–DCT team.
- Targeted archaeological excavations providing valuable insights into Hili 2 and the Iron Age in the region.
- Development of the visitor pathway, coordinated with drainage upgrades and new archaeological findings.
- Design of interpretive signage and flyers.
- Establishment of a replicable methodology for application to other significant archaeological sites in Abu Dhabi.
Partners
DCT Abu Dhabi office & DCT Al Aïn technical teams
