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Dewatering for the Sports Entertainment District – Umluj, KSA

Project overview

WJ Saudi_Umluj, Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia_Dewatering_SED

As part of the visionary Red Sea Project, the Sports Entertainment District (SED) in Umluj is set to become one of Saudi Arabia’s premier active leisure and tourism destinations. Developed by Red Sea Global, the project aims to redefine sports tourism in the Kingdom with a strong emphasis on luxury, sustainability, and environmental harmony.
WJ Saudi was appointed as the specialist contractor for dewatering and groundwater control, tasked with managing challenging subsurface conditions during early-stage construction.

Location

Umluj, Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia

Client

Red Sea Global

Our Solution: In-Situ Soil Remediation

Often referred to as the “Maldives of Saudi Arabia”, Umluj features turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and proximity to over 90 untouched islands. This natural beauty, combined with Red Sea Global’s sustainable development vision, makes the Sports Entertainment District a flagship destination under Saudi Vision 2030.

The project includes:

  • One of Saudi Arabia’s largest surf lagoons
  • A standing wave surf venue and surf academy
  • A wakeboard cable park
  • Premium beach club, retail & F&B outlets, and arrival pavilion
  • To enable construction of these facilities, precise groundwater control was essential—especially in areas affected by stubborn clay layers and variable subsurface conditions.

Outcomes & Impact

  • High groundwater levels across sections of the site
  • Presence of impermeable clay strata, reducing water flow and requiring adaptive techniques
  • Need for continuous dewatering to maintain dry and stable excavation zones
  • Strict timelines aligned with phased construction targets

WJ Saudi’s Solution

1. Initial Well Point System

A well point system was deployed to handle early excavation and foundation works in permeable zones. This method ensured rapid installation and flexible water table control.

2. Transition to Sump Wells & Trenches

As works progressed and subsurface conditions revealed more low-permeability clay, the strategy shifted to strategically located sump wells interconnected with engineered trenches. This allowed for effective drainage, even in zones with poor infiltration.

3. Real-Time Monitoring & Adjustment

WJ Saudi provided continuous monitoring to optimize pump efficiency and adapt to changing site conditions. Our team ensured consistent performance without disrupting construction schedules.

Results & Impact

  • Dry and stable work areas enabled uninterrupted excavation and construction
  • Effective management of challenging clay conditions
  • Zero delays related to groundwater issues
  • Strong collaboration with site contractors and Red Sea Global teams
  • Contribution to a landmark sustainable tourism project under Vision 2030

Conclusion

WJ Saudi’s role in the Sports Entertainment District project exemplifies our ability to deliver customised dewatering solutions in complex environments. By combining technical precision with responsive on-site execution, we supported the successful development of a project that will help position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in eco-luxury tourism.
As the Kingdom continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure, WJ Saudi stands ready to support visionary developments with world-class engineering services.

About WJ Saudi

WJ Saudi is a leading provider of groundwater control and dewatering solutions across the Kingdom. With a strong reputation for technical excellence, innovation, and local expertise, we deliver critical enabling works for construction, infrastructure, and tourism developments of all scales.

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