Dr. Naima Benkari

Dr. Benkari is an Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University and an Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo. Her teaching and field practice span Europe, North Africa, and the Gulf, with recognised expertise in vernacular construction systems and their integration into contemporary architecture, urban morphology, and the built heritage of the Arab world. A long-standing member of ICOMOS, she serves as the organisation’s International Focal Point for the UN SDGs, aligning heritage practice with the 2030 Agenda and advancing heritage-led sustainable development. Within the UNESCO World Heritage system, she has contributed to expert panels for site evaluations, gap analyses, capacity-building, and regional training programmes.
Bridging scholarship and policy, Dr. Benkari develops conservation frameworks, documents vernacular architecture, and strengthens heritage education across the region. She supports ICOMOS engagement at the UN High-Level Political Forum, building partnerships that translate cultural heritage into measurable development outcomes. An emerging voice on ethical, regionally grounded applications of artificial intelligence for heritage documentation, she brings a clear, future-oriented lens to every project—ensuring that tradition and innovation work together for sustainable conservation. A committed educator and public speaker, she publishes in international fora and mentors the next generation of architects and heritage professionals.

Dr. Naima Benkari’s email: naima.benkari@icomos.org 

Go to Dr. Naima Benkari’s Google Scholar page