Muscat – A team from the Unesco Chair on Aflaj Studies has conducted a field visit to the newly discovered Falaj Addi in Fazah village – during excavations associated with the Wadi al Zhaimi Dam project in Liwa – underscoring renewed focus on Oman’s ancient water systems.

The team carried out detailed hydrological assessment of the dawoodi type falaj, recording a flow rate of 31lt/sec, pH level of 7.6 and water temperature of 29.6°C. Additional measurements showed total dissolved solids at 396mg/lt and total organic carbon at 9.2mg/lt, offering valuable insights into water quality and the falaj’s natural characteristics.

The visit was part of ongoing efforts by the Unesco Chair, in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, to prepare a study documenting the falaj’s hydrological, architectural and historical features. The study aims to assess its significance within Oman’s traditional water management network and to support conservation planning.

Experts noted that discoveries such as Falaj Addi highlight the depth of indigenous engineering knowledge and environmental adaptation developed over centuries in Oman. The findings are expected to enhance understanding of the aflaj system, recognised globally as a Unesco World Heritage asset, and to reinforce its enduring role as a sustainable water resource for local communities.