- Al Aflaj, Traditional Irrigation Network System in the UAE, Oral Traditions, Knowledge and Skills of Construction, Maintenance and Equitable Water Distribution
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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.
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
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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
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