With the participation of 275 trainees from 24 countries
ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah organizes a training course on Structural Conservation of Built Heritage
October 19, 2024, 2:54 pm

With the participation of 275 trainees from 24 countries

Sharjah-United Arab Emirates, 19 October 2024 – The online training course, entitled "Structural Conservation of Built Heritage," organized by the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property), kicked off today. The course, which will run from 19 October to 10 November 2024, has attracted 275 participants from 24 countries in the Arab region and worldwide.
The training course aims to educate participants about the importance of structural conservation in the integrated conservation process and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding, evaluating, and addressing the complexities of structural conservation for heritage buildings following crises. It encourages participants to showcase their projects on ICCROM's platforms, promoting wider dissemination of knowledge and best practices in structural conservation. The course also contributes to strengthening the capacities of heritage institutions in the Member States by qualifying youth teams and addressing expertise gaps through practical training and project implementation.
The course provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to manage conservation projects effectively and raises critical questions related to structural conservation. Some of the questions covered in the course include: What are the fundamental principles for preserving heritage buildings? What are the modern sciences and technologies utilized in structural conservation studies? How is a structural conservation project planned, and where does the structural conservation process fit into preserving a heritage property? Are traditional materials suitable for addressing structural failure?
The course also prompts discussions on other relevant questions, such as: how essential is preserving the historical structural system? Is it adequate to maintain the shape and structure of buildings while altering their structural system? What measures are in place to control Portland cement and other common materials in historical buildings? What is the connection between structural and architectural conservation? Should historical buildings be reinforced against earthquakes? What are the standards and codes for the structural conservation of historic buildings? These are just a few of the many questions that will be explored by practitioners and professionals in the field of cultural heritage conservation.

Architect Anwar Sabik, manager of the course and Programme Officer (Training and Field Projects) at the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, stated, "This course is part of the training and capacity building program at the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah. The program includes academic research qualification through a Master's Program in Cultural Heritage Conservation Management implemented in partnership with the University of Sharjah and practical skills training through seasonal training courses." He also mentioned that ”the course sees significant Arab and regional participation, with trainees attending from various institutions and projects dedicated to preserving cultural heritage from 24 countries in the Arab region and worldwide.”
Dr. Marwan Al-Heib and Engineer Ayman Hazralla delivered the training course. Dr. Al-Heib has over 41 years of experience in civil engineering and risk assessment. He is a project manager, teacher, and researcher at the University of Lorraine in France and an expert in the restoration and preservation of historic sites and buildings using advanced technologies and numerical modeling for historic buildings in many countries, including Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, France, Oman, Saudia Arabia, etc.
Engineer Hazrallah is a professional architect and engineer with extensive expertise in structural and seismic design and the consolidation and restoration of historical, artistic, and monumental buildings. He graduated in Architecture with a specialization in Structural Engineering from the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and earned a Master's in Architectural Design from the same institution.
The training course comes when the region faces complex challenges due to damage caused to humans and the environment by natural and human causes. Many tangible cultural heritage components have been damaged, which poses a real threat to their structure and survival. Furthermore, a significant loss of knowledge regarding heritage preservation methods, techniques, and technologies has occurred due to the deterioration of heritage institutions, the decline of state infrastructure in many areas, brain drain, cessation of training, and discontinuation of expertise transmission. The expertise and skills required for structural consolidation of damaged heritage have become highly needed. This training course is part of ICCROM's efforts to enhance heritage protection, disaster management, and first aid in times of crisis.

About the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah
The ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah is a cultural hub generously supported by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. The office is a powerhouse of cultural heritage knowledge, specially created for widespread adoption in Arabic-speaking countries. Launched in 2012, ICCROM-Sharjah is dedicated to protecting cultural heritage in the Arab region and broadening access, appreciation, and understanding of its rich history.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.