Les Aflaj de l'Arabie Saudite : Études et Perspectives sur un Système Ancien de Gestion de l’Eau

9:30 - 10:30 (1h)

Registration of participants and attendance

Upon arrival, a reception desk will be set up to facilitate the registration process. Each participant will be asked to register, receive their name badge, and event documents.

10:30 - 10:40 (10min)

Opening speech

Princess Noura Université

Dr. Jasser al-Harbash (Chief Executive Officer of the Heritage Commission)

10:40 - 10:50 (10min)

Brief introduction to the Aflaj project in the Arabian Peninsula

Princess Noura Université

Mubarak Al-Hassina (Antiquities Division - Heritage Commission)

10:50 - 11:00 (10min)

Launch of the summary book of archaeological investigations in Kharj and Aflaj

The publication of this book marks an important milestone in promoting archaeological research conducted at the Kharj and Aflaj sites. The result of multidisciplinary scientific collaboration, the book offers a unique summary of the findings obtained in recent years. It highlights the rich heritage of these regions, demonstrating their central role in the ancient history of the Arabian Peninsula. The launch of this publication is therefore not only an opportunity to share knowledge, but also an invitation to continue research into these still largely unknown territories.

11:00 - 11:55 (55min)

rchaeological Investigation at Al-Kharj and Al-Aflaj: Contributions to Understanding Ancient Irrigation Systems

Princess Noura Université

José Martin Civantos

11:05 - 11:15 (10min)

Overview of ancient water systems in Saudi Arabia. Contributions to understanding ancient irrigation systems (aflaj).

Princess Noura Université

Dr. Ajab al-Otaibi

11:15 - 11:25 (10min)

Climate change and the impact on oasis transformation: Afalaj and Al-Kharj as a case study.

Prof. Saba Farès

11:25 - 11:35 (10min)

Ancient irrigation systems in the Yamama region: a case study of Al-Kharj and Al-Aflaj (Saudi Arabia).

Princess Noura Université

Prof. Abdulaziz Al-Ghazzi

11:35 - 11:45 (10min)

Al-Salmiya Falaj in Al-Kharj Governorate: A Technical and Social Study of the Heritage Water System

Princess Noura Université

Dr. Hessah Al-Shammari

11:45 - 11:55 (10min)

Open discussion and questions

Princess Noura Université

José Martin Civentos

11:55 - 12:55 (1h)

Break

Princess Noura Université

12:55 - 13:55 (1h)

Preserving the Aflaj System and Adapting it in the Face of Contemporary Challenges

Dr. Ajab al-Otaibi

13:00 - 13:10 (10min)

Water resources in the Arabian Peninsula during the Islamic periods: collection techniques, distribution methods, and adaptation issues

Princess Noura Université

Dr. Saud al-Thiyab

13:10 - 13:20 (10min)

Drainage tunnels in Spain: water management and irrigation as part of cultural heritage and lessons learned for a sustainable future

Princess Noura Université

José Martin Civantos

13:20 - 13:30 (10min)

Successive technological developments in aflaj systems: A comparative study of two distinct generations in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula.

Princess Noura Université

Prof. Rémy Boucharlat

13:30 - 13:40 (10min)

Open discussion and questions

Princess Noura Université

Dr. Ajab al-Otaibi

13:40 - 14:40 (1h)

Comparing technical and social transformations in traditional irrigation systems across oases and ancient water traditions

Princess Noura Université

Prof. Saba Farès

13:45 - 13:55 (10min)

Socio-spatial and temporal constraints within a rain-fed oasis in southeastern Morocco

Princess Noura Université

Dr. Abdallah al-Hamourri

13:55 - 14:20 (25min)

From wells to qanats: 30 years of research on the qanats of the Kharga Oasis in the Paris Basin, Egypt

Princess Noura Université

Prof. Gaëlle Tallet & Thierry Gonon

14:20 - 14:30 (10min)

Open discussion and questions

Princess Noura Université

Prof. Saba Farès

14:30 - 14:40 (10min)

Summary of the highlights of the workshop, with a review of future recommendations

Princess Noura Université

Dr. Saud al-Thiyab

14:40 - 14:50 (10min)

Closing speech

Princess Noura Université

Heritage Commission (TBD)

Planning