Affecting the direction of the rapid urbanization due to the oil discovery and exportation, in the Gulf Regions, there is a perpetual dispute, between the construction of a new, modern identity and the advocacy of traditional architecture as a possible way to establish new relations with the local history and culture. In the struggle for the definition of a new architectural identity in the emerging Arab cities, this paper focuses on the action needed to preserve architectural heritage, with the aim of analyzing and comparing some significant examples of pathologies that affected the existing defensive structure in Qatar and the restoration works that were recently completed. The analysis of data and results made it possible to compare the different pathologies and the conducted interventions with the aim of defining an approach that is consistent and add value to the Arab culture in matters of conservation and re-use.