- ► Alexander the Great statue discovered in Turkey
- ► Neolithic Necklace Reconstructed in Jordan
- ► Thor Hammer Amulet Discovered in Sweden
- ► Evidence of prehistoric hunting discovered in Arabian desert
- ► Ancient settlement discovered in Turkey
- ► Ancient grave unearthed in Slovakia
- ► Medieval prayer beads discovered in Britain
- ► Qing Dynasty tombs discovered in China
- ► Ancient tombs uncovered at the cathedral of Notre Dame
- ► Administrative Centre discovered in Upper Egypt
Home
UNESCO Lists
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Al Aflaj, Traditional Irrigation Network System in the UAE, Oral Traditions, Knowledge and Skills of Construction, Maintenance and Equitable Water Distribution
Al Aflaj, Traditional Irrigation Network System in the UAE, Oral Traditions, Knowledge and Skills of Construction, Maintenance and Equitable Water Distribution
Al Aflaj, Traditional Irrigation Network System in the UAE, Oral Traditions, Knowledge and Skills of Construction, Maintenance and Equitable Water Distribution
Aflaj is a traditional irrigation system in the United Arab Emirates, which carries water over long distances from its underground source to the agricultural basins. Water flows in gradual slopes from higher ground to flat lands, while underground tunnels reduce evaporation.
Aflaj also includes a network of surface channels that distribute water to local farms. For centuries, Aflaj were a means of providing drinking water and irrigating agricultural lands.
Today, it provides an example of the creativity of local communities to face water scarcity in a desert environment.
Al Aflaj, Traditional Irrigation Network System in the UAE, Oral Traditions, Knowledge and Skills of Construction, Maintenance and Equitable Water Distribution was inscribed in 2020 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in UAE.
Aflaj also includes a network of surface channels that distribute water to local farms. For centuries, Aflaj were a means of providing drinking water and irrigating agricultural lands.
Today, it provides an example of the creativity of local communities to face water scarcity in a desert environment.
Al Aflaj, Traditional Irrigation Network System in the UAE, Oral Traditions, Knowledge and Skills of Construction, Maintenance and Equitable Water Distribution was inscribed in 2020 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in UAE.
by Bob McCaffrey (cropped), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Al Aflaj, Traditional Irrigation Network System in the UAE, Oral Traditions, Knowledge and Skills of Construction, Maintenance and Equitable Water Distribution
Date of Inscription
2020
See also
Arabic Calligraphy: Knowledge, Skills and Practices
Date Palm, Knowledge, Skills, Traditions and Practices
Falconry, a Living Human Heritage
Majlis, a Cultural and Social Space
Arabic Coffee, a Symbol of Generosity
Al-Taghrooda, Traditional Bedouin Chanted Poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman
Al-Ayyala, a Traditional Performing Art of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates
Al-Razfa, a Traditional Performing Art
Camel Racing, a Social Practice and a Festive Heritage Associated with Camels
Al Sadu, Traditional Weaving Skills in the United Arab Emirates
Al Azi, Art of Performing Praise, Pride and Fortitude Poetry
Alheda’a, Oral Traditions of Calling Camel Flocks
Al Talli, Traditional Embroidery Skills in the United Arab Emirates
Harees dish: Know-How, Skills and Practices