Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghafri, an esteemed academic and researcher, holds a doctorate (2004) and a master's (2001) in environmental resources and agricultural water management from Hokkaido University, Japan, and a bachelor's (1991) in agricultural engineering from Sultan Qaboos University, Oman.
He is a professor and chair holder of the UNESCO Chair on Aflaj Studies-Archaeohydrology at the University of Nizwa and a member of Oman’s State Council. Dr. Al_Ghafri has 33 years of research experience and 22 years of teaching at various international universities, including Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Nizwa, and the University of Technology, Malaysia. He has also supervised researchers from Oman, the US and Europe.
Dr. Al-Ghafri is member of numerous editorial and scientific committees, including the Encyclopedia of Oman, The Encyclopedia of Omani Mountains and the Journal of Oman Studies. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at many international and local conferences. His research focuses on water management, traditional technologies, agriculture, and Oman's heritage. His notable awards include the Outstanding Staff Award from Sultan Qaboos University, the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council Honored Award, and the Elsevier distinguished papers award.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Al-Ghafri has created and participated in television and radio programs about the Aflaj of Oman, a traditional irrigation system, water heritage and agriculture. He produced many educational series for Omani radio and TV, some of which are available on YouTube and Soundcloud for free. He has also given public lectures and conducted consultancies for international agencies and institutions, the Omani government and private sector. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding and preservation of Oman’s agricultural heritage.