AL AIN // The first phase of a project to restore more than 140 of the city's historic buildings and monuments to their former glory has been completed, heritage officials said yesterday.
The works, in 25 areas of the city, were announced in 2008. The first phase required buildings to be made safe, with their walls, roofs and windows reinforced.
The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) said in a statement that the work would ensure "the short term safety and stability of the buildings", and prepare them for the next phase of restoration.
"These buildings required immediate intervention, to ensure their safety and to avoid further deterioration," said Dr Sami al Masri, the deputy director general for arts, culture and heritage at ADACH.
In June, the houses of Hamad bin Hadi al Daramaki and Abdullah bin Salem and the house and brick garden wall of Khalfan Wasif Al Dhahiri, as well as the renovation of the Shaheel House have been completed, with their walls, roofs and windows reinforced. All were previously in danger of collapsing.
Masri said the project would also attempt to preserve the buildings' historical value.
The second phase, to assess the urgency of further work, is now underway and should be complete by the end of the year.
