Oman's UNESCO-listed Aflaj: A Historical Journey

Oman is referred to as the ‘gift of Aflaj’. Aflaj are ingenious human solutions that made living possible in Oman’s dry environment. Aflaj systems not only represent ancient engineering marvels but also align perfectly with modern sustainable tourism trends. They offer tourists an opportunity to connect with history, culture, and nature while promoting responsible travel practices. Afalj are the icons of Oman’s culture and heritage. UNESCO recognized their importance in Oman by including five of these systems on the World Heritage list. The five aflaj are falaj Al Khatmain, falaj Al-Malki, falaj Al-Muyassar, falaj Daris and falaj Al-Jeela.
Falaj Al Khatmain is an "iddi falaj" located in the Ad-Dakhiliyah region of Oman. It stretches for approximately 2,450 meters, and the mother well's depth is 17.5 m. The water originates from the foothills of Al-Jebal Al-Khadar and flows through a semi-circular canal to irrigate surrounding agricultural lands. The irrigated area covers around 723,124 square meters. Situated in Niabat Birkat Al-Mouz, a village known for its archaeological significance, visitors can easily reach it via the Muscat-Nizwa highway. The falaj serves both agricultural and domestic needs. It irrigates a total of 1,004,340 square meters of farmland, which is famous for growing palm trees, mangoes, and lemons, as well as fodder and seasonal vegetables.
There are some places which have archaeological and tourist features at the Site. The first one is Bait Al Radidah which was built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'rubi. Its thick walls and towers are made of clay, showcasing magnificent architecture with multiple arches, ceilings, and stunning engravings. Another site is Al Ya'rubi Mosque was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif bin Malik Al Ya'rubi in the eleventh Hejira century and it still exists and is used for prayers now.
Falaj Al-Malki, an iddi falaj, is one of the oldest aflaj in the Ad-Dakhiliyah region of Oman. Its name is derived from Malik bin Fahm Al-Azdi. Notably, it has the most branches of any falaj in the region, with a total of 17 branches, making it the longest falaj in Ad-Dakhiliyah. The combined length of its branches is 14,875 meters. Located in the Wilayat of Izki, Falaj Al-Malki irrigates an area of 1,572,739 square meters. The falaj’s channel splits into two sections, one serving the Al-Nazar area and the other the Al-Yemen area, both of which are historically significant archaeological sites in Oman.
There are some archaeological sites and popular tourist features at the location, for example, Al-Nazar and Al-Yemen where the archaeological houses are built using traditional materials. Moreover, Al-Nazar's house is large and surrounded by 1.5-meter-thick walls. It is interesting because it still exists with its rectangular shape, high walls and the three corner towers. Al-Yemen house is also one of the most beautiful places and the height of Al-Yemen's surrounding wall is two meters; it is built with porcelain on rocky bricks, and it is only 8 meters away from Al-Nazar house. Jarnan Cave is another tourist attraction on the site. A number of towers surrounded the site on the foothills in addition to the big castle.
Falaj Al-Muyassar is an Iddi-type falaj that reaches a depth of 50 meters under the ground. It originates from Al-Ghadadia, situated in the highlands of Wadi Bani Awf, where the Mothe well exceeds 50 meters in depth, and its channels stretch for 5,783 meters. The falaj has five branches: Wadi Al-Sin, Al Halawa, Al-Qarn, Al-Mansour, and Wadi Al-Kour. one of the main cities in Oman and the most significant Wilayat in the South Al-Batinah region. The total demand area is 1,574,580 m2, with a cultivated area is 1,133,698 m2. The falaj is split into two sections: the upper and lower, each further divided into two branches.
Al-Rustaq Fort is located at the base of Jebal Al-Akhdar, at the edge of the Al-Batinah plain in Wilayat Al-Rustaq. This impressive structure dates back to the early Yaruba Imamate period, between 1624 and 1649 AD. It features two stories in addition to the ground floor and includes living quarters, weapon storage, reception rooms, gates, a mosque, jails, wells, and other facilities. The fort also houses ten mounted cannons, including the Red Tower (16 m), the Wind Tower (12 m), and the Devils Tower (18 m).
Falaj Daris is one of the most famous Iddi aflaj in Oman, located in Wilayat Nizwa in the Ad-Dakhiliyah region. It consists of two branches that converge at a point known as "Fardh Al-Multaqa," which supplies water to the falaj. The most notable historical landmark in the area is Nizwa Fort, built in 1668 by Imam Sultan bin Saif bin Malik Al-Yorubi. The fort stands 24 meters tall and has an outer perimeter of 43 meters. The largest mosque in Nizwa, Jami A' Sultan Qaboos (Sultan Qaboos Mosque), is situated in the heart of the city. Also, the old Souq is one of the most important and famous places in Nizwa and it is known for its traditional shops, offering handicrafts like gold, silver, and antique items.
Falaj Al-Jeela is an Aini-type falaj located in the village of Al-Jeela, Wilayat Sur, in the Ash-Sharqiyah region. It is the primary water source for the village. The falaj features an open channel that is 161 meters long, beginning at the main well and ending at the basin. Al-Jeela village sits 2,000 meters above sea level. The falaj is used to irrigate palm trees, pomegranates, and other seasonal crops in farms and gardens, covering an area of around 10,034 m². It also meets domestic and livestock water needs.
The most famous place for tourists is the Al-Jeela towers which include 90 towers located 2,000 meters above sea level. These towers range in height from 4 to 5 meters and have a diameter of 3 to 4 meters, all featuring a cylindrical shape with rounded tops. Wadi Shab is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, combining coastal beauty with mountainous formations. Nearby, Wadi Tiwi lies about two kilometres from Wadi Shab in the Ash-Sharqiyah region, extending 36 kilometres to the village of Mebam. This fertile valley passes through several agricultural villages and offers a scenic, high-altitude view of the sea.
In conclusion, the Aflaj systems of Oman are not only marvels of ancient engineering but also vital elements of the country’s culture, heritage, and sustainable tourism. These intricate water management systems, now recognized by UNESCO, showcase the ingenuity of Oman's ancestors in adapting to a harsh environment. The five Aflaj systems on the World Heritage list—Falaj Al Khatmain, Falaj Al-Malki, Falaj Al-Muyassar, Falaj Daris, and Falaj Al-Jeela—each tell a unique story of both agricultural and cultural significance. As well as being central to local life, these Aflaj offer visitors a chance to experience Oman’s rich history, traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Promoting responsible tourism, the Aflaj sites are a reminder of how ancient solutions can guide modern practices, blending sustainability with cultural preservation.
Source: Ministry of Regional Municipalities &Water Resources.2008."AFLAJ OMAN IN THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST”. Ministry of Regional Municipalities &Water Resources Dep. of Awareness and Information PO Box461, PC 122 Ruwi Sultanate of Oman.