AER - Arabian Equipment Staff
25 Jun 2025
AER’s Checklist for Identifying Dewatering Issues Early on Projects Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The first 72 hours of any dewatering operation are absolutely critical. What happens in this short window can set the tone for the entire construction project. In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where groundwater levels, coastal influences and soil profiles vary significantly, early warning signs must be recognised and acted on immediately.
At Arabian Equipment (AER), we support contractors in identifying problems early, often before they escalate into costly delays or compliance issues. Based on extensive on-site experience across the UAE, here are the top red flags to watch for during the initial phase of dewatering.
1. Inconsistent Drawdown Across the Excavation
If water levels are dropping in some areas but not in others, it may indicate:
Uneven pump placement
Blocked wellpoints
Variable soil permeability
Leaks in the header or discharge line
Why this matters in the UAE:
In projects near the coast or reclaimed land in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, ground conditions can shift within a few metres. Failing to spot drawdown inconsistencies can lead to localised flooding or instability in footings.
How AER responds:
We recommend performing level checks at multiple points and adjusting system layout based on the data. AER also offers system recalibration and quick reconfiguration services if performance is not balanced.
2. Pump Cycling Too Frequently or Running Continuously
Pumps that turn on and off too often or run non-stop may be oversized, undersized or operating under poor suction conditions. This can result in:
Premature equipment failure
Energy waste
Noise complaints
System burnout
Why this matters in the UAE:
In urban developments such as Business Bay or Saadiyat Island, energy consumption and noise levels are monitored by authorities. Unstable pump behaviour can lead to non-compliance.
How AER responds:
We conduct flow rate and head pressure analysis within the first 48 hours. Adjustments are made to either change the pump or modify suction depth for stable performance.
3. High Levels of Silt or Sand in Discharge Water
Discharge that is visibly murky, sandy or full of fines suggests that the intake system is:
Pulling in sediment
Positioned too close to the excavation base
Operating in unstable soil layers
This can damage pumps, clog pipelines and affect downstream filtration systems.
Why this matters in the UAE:
In sensitive zones near drainage infrastructure or protected water bodies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this can cause environmental breaches or result in shutdowns.
How AER responds:
We monitor discharge clarity and install silt curtains or filters where required. Pump intake height and location can also be adjusted to prevent sediment entrainment.
4. Overflow or Pooling Near Pumps and Headers
Visible water build-up near the pump area could mean:
Leaks in the pipework
Header connection issues
Poor slope or drainage design
Underestimated groundwater inflow
If not addressed quickly, this can lead to erosion or unsafe working conditions.
Why this matters in the UAE:
In high-traffic construction areas such as Al Reem Island or Jebel Ali, standing water is a safety risk and may trigger site audits or stoppages.
How AER responds:
We inspect and pressure-test fittings, ensure site gradients are properly set, and deploy bypass lines or temporary sumps if needed.
5. Alarmingly Fast Water Recharge After Pump Shutdown
If the water table rebounds quickly after a temporary pump stop, it indicates either:
A high inflow rate from nearby sources
Inadequate system capacity
Deep aquifers with strong pressure zones
Why this matters in the UAE:
In coastal regions such as Dubai Marina or Khalifa Port, tidal effects and interlinked aquifers can cause unexpected recharge behaviour.
How AER responds:
We recommend backup systems and timed controls to prevent sudden flooding. Additional wells or staged systems may be deployed to manage recharge zones more effectively.
Final Thoughts
The first 72 hours of dewatering are not just for observation, they are for intervention. Spotting red flags early can prevent days of delay, thousands in rework and major environmental or safety incidents.
Arabian Equipment works with project teams in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE to conduct initial monitoring, provide corrective action plans, and ensure dewatering systems are fully operational and compliant from the start.
If your site is about to begin dewatering, speak to AER for a technical check-up or an on-site commissioning guide to stay ahead of the risks.
