Community engagement is an important approach in the sustainable urban development of heritage sites. During the last two decades, a large number of studies have focused on evolving approaches to heritage protection. These initiatives have tried various approaches or models to strengthen the role of the community in the protection process. Historic Cairo is one of the most important sites on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. In 2011, UNESCO took a new approach to sustainable urban development in historical areas, given their importance in the history of urban culture. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Community Engagement Tool for the sustainable urban development of heritage sites in two case studies in historic Cairo (Al-Darb Al-Aqaba (URHC) and Souq El-Silah) by examining the instrument of community participation used to transform the landscape of sustainable urban development. It also aims to identify the importance of community involvement in the sustainable development of heritage sites. This method adopts a case study approach and follows a qualitative research approach consisting of two parts: a theoretical part through a literature review and an analytical part through an investigation of two case studies (JSPS procedures in Souq El-Silah and URBAN procedure in Al-Darb Al-Amar). We also explore the data collected and the results of the community consultation process for both projects. The findings show that through capacity building, participatory workshops and mapping tools, local residents became dynamic decision makers in both case studies. More than 70 percent of the community members involved in the Al-Darb Al-Ahmar project reported increased ownership and involvement in heritage protection. In addition, the results of the survey show that the Community Engagement Tool effectively involves and empowers local residents in decision-making and planning processes.

Community engagement has been revealed as a significant approach to heritage sites’ sustainable urban developments. The heritage of a community or city is part of a 'sense of ground' and influences well-being more than tangible goods. At the city level, heritage becomes a source of urban life quality, contributes to the attraction and awareness of people in the city, and constructs cohesiveness. Historic Cairo is one of the most important sites on the world heritage list. In 2011, UNESCO moved towards a new approach to sustainable urban development in historic areas for their great value in the history of any city's culture. This paper aims to review two (Frameworks for two projects in Historic Cairo) at the same heritage site. By examining the community engagement tool that was used toward sustainable urban development. It also seeks to identify the importance of community engagement in sustainable development in historical sites and provides an overview that reviews and discusses the similarities and differences between two frameworks. The methodology followed a qualitative research method, composed of two parts: The first: theoretical part through literature review and the second: analytical part through Documentation of the procedures of the two Case studies. Results obtained from the analysis indicated the level of community engagement in developing heritage sites was low and led to some recommendations for a framework that can be used in the sustainable urban development of historic Cairo. The research findings emphasize the need for stronger engagement strategies that effectively involve and empower the residents in decision-making and planning processes.