Abdulaziz S. Al-Turbak
Civil Eng. Dept., King Saud Univ.
P.O. Box 800, Riyadh 11421
Saudi Arabia
E-mail: turbak@ksu.edu.sa

Abstract

In arid and semi-arid regions of the world, where water resources are scarce, man had developed many methods of utilizing surface and groundwater as well as rainwater. Efficient methods to catch rainwater and use it for many purposes have been used throughout the Middle East for many centuries. One very-well known method of utilizing rainwater for irrigation is terracing. It is widely practiced in the Southwestern part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. System of terraces used will be described. Its advantages and limitations will also be presented.