Ministerial Decree No.39/2017 issuing the Law on Regulation and Protection of Aflaj Sites included on the World Heritage List.

This Law consisting of 20 articles divided in IV Parts aims at protecting and managing the five Aflaj Irrigation Systems (ancient water channels) of Oman added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Responsible body is the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources. Part I deals with Definitions and General Provisions. Part II deals with the management and protection of the falaj and its location and regulates (i) drilling wells and related permits; (ii) the transfer or sale of water from any well located in the areas; (iii) permits for maintenance works, activities that risk polluting the waters with consequent risks for public health; (iv) permits for establishing housing projects; (v) ministerial authorizations for the establishment of reservoirs for holding sewage water; and (vi) permits for changing the type of agricultural land use in the falaj site or setting up facilities on it. Part III deals with Penalties. Part IV deals with Final Provisions.