Located on the east coast of UAE, Khorfakkan is a natural deep sea port and has a long history of human settlement. As a part of this project to develop a concept Masterplan, the building typologies, techniques and their consequent state of degradation were studied and analyzed.

Different habitation zones were identified and researched which included: the Core Area, the Heritage Village, the Sheikh’s Palace Area; the Fishermen’s Village and the border line of the old Souk on the “urban side” of the farms.

Each of these areas were found to have specific construction characteristics, corresponding to different historical periods. Most notably for Khorfakkan, as an important coastal settlement, the influx of various people via the sea over time has allowed for an exchange of ideas, skills, techniques and lifestyle that are reflective of a particular transcultural heritage. The work for the heritage master planning has been carried out by following steps beginning with site surveys, mapping the existing amenities or site constraints, always taking into account the historical and archaeological aspect of the site protection.
The study phase has been followed by The Planning Phase to prepare the Masterplan Concept Design, along with relevant Project Strategies in accordance.