This study investigates the possibilities and constraints of open-source digital simulation tools for assessing and communicating the climatic performance of the open shelter covering the significant archaeological site of the Church and Monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It endeavors to explore to what extent this information can guide the decision-making process concerning shelter design and the formulation of climatic-conscious design briefs for this climatic region. Open shelters for archaeological sites are recognized as an effective conservation strategy that strikes a balance between safeguarding vulnerable remnants exposed to environmental elements and accessibility and public presentation. Case studies from both literature and practice highlight a considerable number of sheltering interventions that have failed to create positive environmental and climatic conditions. Moreover, in some cases, shelters have contributed to exacerbating the rate of deterioration and decay. This can be attributed to a range of factors, primarily linked to flawed design and mismanagement. The processes employed by design teams in shaping shelter design, along with the assessment criteria and protection requirements formulated at early design stages by conservators and site management teams, emerge as pivotal aspects for ensuring an educated and informed design process.