MUSCAT : The meeting is to prepare the file for registration on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) began today in Muscat.

The event was held under the auspices of His Excellency Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture.

Maryam Nasser Al Kharbooshi, Director of the Cultural Identity Department at the Ministry, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of this meeting in strengthening joint Arab action for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. She noted that traditional irrigation systems are a living testament to the Arab civilization and its ability to develop sustainable technical solutions for water management throughout the ages.

She explained that the Aflaj (traditional irrigation channels) in the Sultanate of Oman represent a unique model of this heritage, carrying an integrated social and cultural system and precise methods of water distribution and maintenance. She added that preparing this joint Arab file embodies the unified message of Arab culture and reflects the Arab countries’ belief in the importance of protecting their intangible heritage.

She clarified that the selection of the Sultanate of Oman to lead the file is an extension of its efforts in documenting and protecting water heritage, which culminated in the inscription of five Omani Aflaj on the World Heritage List in 2006: Falaj Daris, Falaj Al Khatmeen, Falaj Al Malki, Falaj Al Jeela, and Falaj Al Mayasser.

Dr. Hamid Saif Al Noufali, Director of Culture at ALECSO, praised the efforts made by the Sultanate of Oman in organizing the meeting, pointing out that water heritage constitutes a fundamental pillar in human civilizations and that the development of traditional irrigation systems reflects the ability of Arab societies to face water challenges throughout history. He stressed that registering a joint Arab file enhances the presence of Arab culture in international forums and demonstrates a unified vision towards protecting water heritage, especially in light of increasing global climate challenges.

Dr. Younis Jameel Al Nu’amani indicated that the Sultanate of Oman includes more than 4,000 Aflaj, with over 3,000 still active, which reinforces its responsibility and leading role in preparing this Arab file. He explained that the Aflaj are not just a water system, but a system of social values that reflects justice, solidarity, and belonging to the land.

Dr. Abdullah Saif Al Ghafri, UNESCO Chair for Falaj Studies at the University of Nizwa, emphasized the importance of documenting this element and highlighting it for future generations, noting that traditional irrigation systems share many technical and cultural elements across the Arab world.

The forum included visual presentations on the elements of intangible cultural heritage inscribed on the UNESCO lists for the Sultanate of Oman, in addition to a specialized presentation on the Aflaj system.

This meeting is considered a pivotal platform for coordinating joint Arab efforts, unifying the file content, and analyzing the cultural, social, and developmental aspects associated with traditional irrigation systems, thereby enhancing its compatibility with the requirements of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The 18 participating Arab countries are: Oman, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Somalia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Mauritania, and Yemen.

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