Your ultimate guide to the Falaj Irrigation System
Early settlers in the UAE laid the groundwork for most traditions and developments we see today. The ingenious Falaj irrigation system is one of them. Let’s learn about the system, its history, working mechanism, types and a whole lot more on MyBayut.
WHAT IS THE FALAJ IRRIGATION SYSTEM?
The Arabic word Falaj (plural Aflaj), which means ‘split into parts’. A falaj refers to a water passage dug into the earth for irrigation. Its history goes back thousands of years when a few tribesmen discovered underground springs in the region and created a system to build a waterway over the land for irrigating oases and farms.
This irrigation system exists in Al Dakhliya, Al Batinah and Al Sharqiyah regions in Oman since 500 AD. When it comes to the UAE, the Al Ain Aflaj system is the oldest in the region reported to have been around for more than 3,000 years.
TYPES OF FALAJ IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Aflaj Irrigation System is mainly divided into three types.
AL DAWOODI FALAJ
Al Dawoodi Falaj has channels up to 10 metres long that enable them to deliver water throughout the year.
GHAILI FALAJ
These Aflaj systems draw water from ponds, lakes or water bodies. The amount of water in this falaj system increases after the rain and decreases significantly during extended dry periods.
AYNI FALAJ
The Arabic word ‘Ayni’ refers to “well”. Ayni Falaj receives water from springs. The quality of water in these channels varies on the basis of their temperature and source.
HOW DOES THE FALAJ SYSTEM WORK?
Falaj extracts water from wells or underground wadis. The system doesn’t use mechanical pumps to draw water, instead depends on the force of gravity to make the water move through its channels. This is how the water is distributed fairly among farms and other areas.
Water flows through falaj constantly throughout the year; however, its quantity increases during the rainy season.
COMPONENTS OF THE FALAJ IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN THE UAE
Aflaj system has three major components.
UMM AL FALAJ
Umm Al Falaj is an Arabic word which refers to ‘the mother well’. This is the primary water source for the system.
TUNNELS
Tunnels deliver copious amounts of water from Umm Al Falaj to its destination. They vary in their lengths depending on the Falaj’s location, the quantity of water in the well and the distance to the final water destination.
ACCESS SHAFTS
Shafts are constructed at a 20-metre distance along the tunnels to aid in ventilation and debris removal. They have a ring of burnt clay that prevents the falaj from flooding, in case the tunnels crumble.
AFLAJ IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN THE UAE – THE AFLAJ SYSTEM IN AL AIN CITY
It is believed that the Al Awamir tribe was the first to build falaj systems in Al Ain.
Al Ain is reported to have had 45 Aflaj systems, out of which only seven are functional today due to limited water resources. The Aflaj system can be found in Al Ain’s Hili, Jabeeb, Bida bin Saoud, Thugaiban and Al Madam areas.
HILI FALAJ
Hili Falaj (also known as Falaj Hili 15/Hili Aqueduct 15) is the most popular of all systems. According to the Head of Al Ain Archaeology Division at DCT Abu Dhabi, Ali Abdulrahman Al Meqbali:
“Falaj Hili 15 changed existing theories surrounding aqueduct systems in the region. Initially, it was thought that the aqueducts dated back to 700 BC, however, this particular Falaj dates back to 1200 BC. The aqueducts are seen as systems developed to assist inhabitants of the region gain access to fresh water supplies, overcoming difficult environmental conditions during this period.”
FAQs
HOW DOES FALAJ AFFECT THE FARMING?
Falaj is one of the ancient sources of water that evenly supplies water to crops, contributing to the growth of farms.
HOW DID FALAJ SYSTEM IMPACT THE HUMAN LIFE IN THE UAE?
Falaj helped people channel water into their farms and homes, without having to live close to mountains and wells. The ample supply of water also encouraged them to build towers, homes, administrative buildings and palaces.
That brings an end to our guide on the Falaj Irrigation System, UAE. With the Aflaj system in place, Al Ain Oasis is one of the UNESCO sites in the UAE.
