A symposium of the National Archives and Library stresses the importance of scientific research in environmental heritage and sustainability

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Abu Dhabi, 13 October / WAM / The “Al Ain Oases / Comprehensive Sustainability Model” symposium, organized by the National Archives and the National Library, stressed the importance of continuing specialized scientific research in the fields of environmental heritage and sustainability, and enhancing the presence of Al Ain Oases as a leading national model in environmental, educational and research tourism, and a cultural icon linking the UAE’s glorious past and its promising future.

Participants in the symposium, which came within the 2025 cultural season of the National Archives and Library, and in conjunction with the “Year of Community,” reviewed the unique characteristics of Al Ain oases as an inspiring Emirati model in achieving balance between man and nature, and a practical embodiment of the values of sustainability.
The speakers emphasized that the Al Ain oases were and still are a prosperous social and economic environment that bears the features of the authentic Emirati identity, and a natural and human treasure in which the elements of nature harmonize with the fragrant heritage, to form a wonderful picture that combines the greenness of palm trees and the running water of falaj, in a cultural scene that deserves to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Professor Dr. Yahya Ahmed from the United Arab Emirates University, Dr. Asma Al-Maamari from the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Human Sciences, and Professor Maryam Al-Junaibi from the Trends Center for Research and Consultation, participated in the symposium. The dialogue was moderated by researcher Professor Muhammad Ismail Abdullah from the National Archives and Library.
Dr. Yahya Ahmed spoke about the seven oases of Al Ain, which represent a unique model of sustainability, the details of which are woven from the heritage of the Emirati people and their wisdom in dealing with the environment.

The Aflaj system, which is linked to nine main Aflaj, was reviewed, explaining its role in achieving water and agricultural security in the past, noting the interest of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God rest his soul,” in preserving and developing this integrated system.
For her part, Dr. Asma Al-Maamari discussed in her paper the enlightened thought of Sheikh Zayed in the city of Al Ain, and his pioneering efforts in confronting the challenges of water, agriculture, and social and economic life, pointing to his insightful vision in managing the aflaj fairly, and achieving sustainability by involving community members in preserving natural resources, so that Al Ain becomes a model of conscious environmental management and sustainable development.
For her part, Maryam Al Junaibi highlighted the cultural and environmental role of the Al Ain oases as a vibrant space that combines history, knowledge and innovation, stressing that it is not just an agricultural space, but rather a renewed national memory that documents the human relationship with the place, and presents to the world an inspiring Emirati message in achieving sustainable development that respects heritage and benefits from the data of modern science.