The regional meeting for the preparation of the “Traditional Irrigation Systems” nomination file, to be submitted for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List,  kicked off on November 18, 2025 in Muscat, Oman, with the participation of 18 Arab countries.

The meeting, held in cooperation between ALECSO and the Omani Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, aimed at coordinating Arab efforts to preserve Oman’s ancient water heritage, and to exchange expertise and knowledge related to the maintenance and operation of traditional irrigation systems.

Participants highlighted the importance of documenting traditional knowledge and integrating it into national plans for agricultural development and heritage protection. They also exploring ways to harness modern technology in order to enhance the efficiency of these systems while preserving their authentic heritage character.

This meeting was a pivotal step in strengthening Arab cooperation in preparing the “Traditional Irrigation Systems” nomination file and highlighting leading Arab experiences in this field, especially the traditional “Aflaj” systems that continue to operate to this day.

ALECSO was represented at this meeting by Dr. Humaid Al-Nofali, Director of Culture, along with a group of experts in charge of technical and scientific supervision of the file.