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How WJ Saudi Used Deep Wells and Trenches to Dewater Trump Tower Jeddah

Project overview

WJ Saudi Trump Tower Jeddah Deep Wells Trenches Dewatering

Set along Jeddah’s prestigious Corniche, Trump Tower Jeddah is an iconic 47-storey luxury tower designed to redefine high-end urban living on the Red Sea. Developed by Dar Global Holding, this landmark project required innovative engineering and geotechnical strategies — particularly in managing groundwater in a coastal environment with a high-water table.

Location

Al Corniche, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Client

Edrafor Al Arabiya

Developer

Dar Global Holding

The Dewatering Challenge

With the groundwater table encountered just 4.25 metres below ground level, and the site composed of silty sands and coral-rich layers, the project faced significant excavation challenges. Proximity to the Red Sea further complicated hydrogeological behaviour.
Reliable groundwater control was critical to enable safe and timely excavation for substructure and foundation works.

WJ Saudi’s Role

WJ Saudi was appointed by Edrafor Al Arabiya to deliver a full dewatering solution, from site investigation to system design, installation, and operation. With a strong track record in groundwater management across Saudi Arabia, WJ Saudi mobilized in July 2025 to begin project implementation.

Initial Pumping Test & Groundwater Analysis

Before finalizing the dewatering system design, WJ Saudi conducted a comprehensive pumping test on site. This test was crucial to:

  • Assess aquifer characteristics, including permeability and transmissivity
  • Determine expected drawdown performance
  • Evaluate the recharge rate and boundary conditions
  • Confirm design assumptions for well spacing, depth, and pumping capacity

 

The results from the pumping test directly informed the engineering design, ensuring a fit-for-purpose dewatering system tailored to the site’s unique coastal conditions.

Dewatering Methodology: Deep Wells + Surface Trench Network

WJ Saudi deployed a hybrid dewatering solution combining deep well dewatering, surface trenching, and recharge management, optimized based on the pumping test data.

1. Deep Well Dewatering System
  • 8 deep abstraction wells to achieve the required drawdown level (target: 0.44 m MSLJ)
  • 10 recharge wells positioned up to 100 metres from the excavation to discharge abstracted groundwater.
  • Electrical submersible pumps controlled via modular control cabins for efficient operation
  • Real-time monitoring of flow rates, drawdown levels, and system performance.
2. Perimeter and Cross Trench Network

A comprehensive surface trench system was installed to manage shallow groundwater and surface infiltration:

  • Perimeter trenches encircling the excavation zone
  • Cross trenches improving horizontal water capture
  • Sumps and collection pits at low points, connected to the main discharge system

This trenching network acted as an additional safeguard during heavy rains or unexpected seepage.

3. Closed-Loop Groundwater Management

The system operated as a closed-loop, minimizing environmental discharge and supporting aquifer stability:

  • Groundwater was re-injected via recharge wells
  • Continuous water quality testing ensured environmental compliance
  • Reduced impact on local hydrogeology and coastal aquifers

Overcoming Red Sea Construction Challenges

Building adjacent to the Red Sea introduced unique constraints:

  • Tidal effects impacting subsurface flow
  • Saline intrusion risk
  • High variability in soil permeability


WJ Saudi’s integrated approach, grounded in data from the pumping test, enabled the team to deliver a system that was technically resilient, environmentally sound, and operationally efficient.

Results and Achievements

  • Groundwater successfully drawn down to design level within schedule.
  • Safe, dry, and stable excavation conditions maintained.
  • Zero disruptions from groundwater ingress or trench flooding.
  • Environmental integrity preserved through recharge and closed-loop operation.
  • Full compliance with project and municipal environmental standards.

Conclusion: Setting a Benchmark for Dewatering in Coastal Jeddah

The Trump Tower Jeddah project highlights WJ Saudi’s capabilities in data-driven dewatering system design. By conducting a pre-design pumping test, and implementing a combined deep well and trench network, WJ Saudi delivered a robust groundwater management solution tailored to one of Jeddah’s most complex sites.

Whether for high-rise construction, infrastructure, or coastal development, WJ Saudi remains the trusted name in deep well dewatering and groundwater control in Saudi Arabia.

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