Spatial distribution of natural hazards and their proximity to heritage sites: Case of the United Arab Emirates
This research focuses on mapping heritage sites in the UAE, producing land use/land cover to aid in hazard assessment, and identifying those heritage sites that may be vulnerable to potential natural hazards, ultimately producing a GIS database for the heritage sites and multi-hazard maps. Among the decisions adopted during the extended 44th session of the World Heritage Committee and World Heritage Centre is the launching of the Urban Heritage Climate (UHCO). The key objective of the UHCO is to utilize remote sensing to document the impacts of climate change on World Heritage cities.
Results show that the major hazards related to floods and earthquakes are located in the northeastern part of the UAE, while those related to are in the central and western part of the UAE. Both the rapid onset and extended duration of natural hazards could threaten heritage sites and the neighboring human communities. Therefore, all potential hazards should be taken into account for better conservation of heritage sites. Future studies may utilize Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), assess anthropogenic activities (land-use change-development, utilities), , humidity, assessment of specific sites, mitigation options (retrofitting for buildings, protection), and developing a web-based GIS database for heritage sites in the UAE.
Explore further
