AER - Arabian Equipment Staff
11 Jun 2025
How AER Optimises Pumping Solutions by Understanding Groundwater Conditions Across the Gulf
When it comes to construction and infrastructure projects in the Gulf, groundwater pressure is one of the most overlooked yet critical factors influencing site preparation and dewatering system design. In both the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, contractors face unique subsurface conditions that vary not only by geography but also by soil structure, proximity to the coast and even the season.
So why does this matter for pump sizing? And how does Arabian Equipment (AER) help contractors get it right?
Let’s explore the regional differences in groundwater pressure and how this affects the performance and selection of pumps on site.
Regional Groundwater Behaviour
UAE
In the UAE, groundwater is influenced heavily by proximity to the coast and high evaporation rates. Many urban developments in places like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah sit near reclaimed land or shallow water tables. As a result, hydrostatic pressure tends to be moderate to high, especially in coastal fill areas or locations with perched water lenses.
Certain inland regions, such as Al Ain, may feature lower water tables but still experience seasonal variation due to irrigation runoff or shallow aquifers.
Qatar
In contrast, Qatar features a more karstic landscape, with limestone bedrock and naturally occurring voids. Groundwater pressure can be unpredictable, sometimes pooling beneath impermeable layers. In low-lying coastal areas like Doha and Ras Laffan, the pressure is often elevated due to trapped saline groundwater and limited drainage.
In both countries, failing to account for groundwater pressure during the design phase can lead to underperforming pumps, flooded excavations or costly rework.
Why Pump Sizing Must Match Groundwater Pressure
Groundwater pressure directly impacts:
Suction head requirements
Pump lift capacity
Flow rate demand
Risk of cavitation or pump failure
If a pump is not correctly sized to overcome the site’s static and dynamic pressure, it will either underperform or suffer mechanical stress. This is especially true for deep well systems, where vertical lift must be carefully calculated, and for wellpoint systems, where pressure affects spacing and vacuum requirements.
AER’s engineering team conducts hydrogeological assessments using borehole data, piezometer readings and soil profiling to tailor the pump specification for each project, whether in the limestone plateaus of Qatar or the saturated coastal sands of the UAE.
Real-World Application: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All
A 6-inch diesel pump may perform well in Sharjah’s compact soils but fail to maintain drawdown in Doha’s high-pressure coastal zones. Conversely, a high-flow submersible might be excessive for a low-pressure inland site, leading to unnecessary fuel costs and overcapacity.
This is why AER never takes a plug-and-play approach. Every project, even within the same country, is treated as a unique combination of depth, pressure, permeability and flow.
Understanding the regional differences in groundwater pressure between the UAE and Qatar is essential for safe, efficient and cost-effective dewatering. It is not just about how much water needs to be removed; it is about how forcefully that water is pressing against the site.
With decades of experience across the Gulf, Arabian Equipment (AER) helps contractors avoid costly sizing errors and operational delays by ensuring their pumping systems are engineered to handle the exact subsurface conditions at hand.
If your project is located in a challenging zone or if you are unsure of your site’s hydrostatic profile, speak to AER’s technical team before sizing your next pump.
