Water flows through the channels of Falaj Al Khatmeen in Birkat Al Mawz—a site inscribed on the World Heritage List. It is a renowned Daudi (underground gravity-fed) irrigation channel that continuously flows with water from Wadi Al Maiden to sustain local date palm groves and homes. It extends 2,450 metres with a steady year-round water flow rate of approximately 166 litres per second. It relies purely on gravity, with sections of the open and subterranean channels passing near historic structures like the Al Radeeda Fortress. Using gravity, water is channelled from underground sources or springs to support agriculture and domestic use. The fair and effective management and sharing of water in villages and towns is still underpinned by mutual dependence and communal values and guided by astronomical observations. Numerous watchtowers built to defend the water systems form part of the site, reflecting the historic dependence of communities on the aflaj.
— Photo by Yousuf al Habsi
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