Muscat – Aflaj in Buraimi have undergone a remarkable transformation by harnessing solar power, ensuring uninterrupted and environmentally friendly water supply.

The Office of the Governor of Buraimi, with support from OQ Company, has inaugurated five solar power plants for aflaj in Buraimi and the Al Sarrani falaj.

Under the patronage of H E Dr Saud bin Hammoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the inauguration event took place in the presence of Dr Hamad bin Ahmed al Busaidi, Governor of Buraimi.

The five projects are Al Zuroob with production capacity of 80kW, 18kW plant in Souq, 12kW plant in Al Sharia, 23kW plant in Al Ghuraifa North and 12kW plant in Al Ghuraifa South.

Speaking at the inauguration, Talib Ahmed al Jabri, Supervisor of Falaj Al Sarrani, stated that the 3,000-year-old irrigation system is located in Sara Oasis in the wilayat of Buraimi. “The solar project will lower electricity bills, address power outages, and ensure continuous and sustainable operations of aflaj through the use of renewable solar energy.”

The Al Sarrani falaj had dried up in 2000, leaving the surrounding farmland barren, impacting the livelihoods of those dependent on farming. Through the collective efforts of the people of Buraimi, the falaj came back to life in 2017.

Oman has a total of 4,112 aflaj, each differing in type based on the geological and hydrological characteristics of their respective areas.