• The Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture

• Based on the powers granted to him by law, and pursuant to paragraph (1) of Article (9) of the Water Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/159) dated 11/11/1441 AH, and with an exception to what is stated in paragraph (2) of Article (2) of the conditions and regulations for issuing licenses for groundwater sources (wells) and classifying their violations, issued by Ministerial Decision No. (5216262) dated 24/7/1445 AH, and based on what was presented by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Water in letter No. (25050113) dated 30/6/1446 AH, which included the appropriateness of the mechanism organized for issuing licenses for drilling new wells in farms located on the Arabian Shield, and the area excluded from the sedimentary shelf along the formations (Arab, Al-Jubailah, Wadi Hanifah, and Tuwaiq) that are not relied upon as sources of drinking water, based on the agricultural record (for those who do not possess ownership deeds), and as required by the public interest.

• The following is decided:

  • First: Approval of the organized mechanism for issuing licenses for drilling new wells in farms located on the Arabian Shield, and the area excluded from the sedimentary shelf along the formations (Arab, Al-Jubailah, Wadi Hanifah, and Tuwaiq) that are not relied upon as sources of drinking water, based on the agricultural record (for those who do not possess ownership deeds), according to the attached formula to the decision.

  • Second: This decision shall be effective for a period of (3) years from the date of its publication in the official gazette, renewable as needed, and shall be communicated to those concerned for implementation and compliance.

• And may God grant success.

• The organized mechanism for issuing licenses for new well drilling in farms located on the Arabian Shield, and the area excluded from the sedimentary shelf along the formations (Arab, Al-Jubailah, Wadi Hanifa, and Tuwaiq) that are not relied upon as sources for drinking water, for those who do not possess ownership deeds:

•  1- The farm owner must have a valid agricultural record.

• 2- The farm owner must have a documented declaration on the (Ehkam) platform.

• 3- The applicant must complete the conditions and regulations for issuing licenses for groundwater sources (wells), as stated in Ministerial Decision No. (5216262) dated 24/7/1445 AH. 

• 4- The farm owner must sign a declaration stating the following:

  • A- That their declaration on the (Ehkam) platform has not been adjudicated as of the date of submitting the claim.

  • B- That obtaining a well drilling license will not impose any financial obligations on the Ministry if they are unable to prove ownership of the farm.

  • C- That the farm is not a result of encroachments or violations on the lands of others.

  • D- That obtaining a well drilling license shall not be considered as evidence of ownership.

  • E- To fill the well at their own expense in case approval for ownership is not issued from the (Ehkam) platform. 

• 5- This mechanism shall be effective for a period of (3) years from the date of its publication in the official gazette, subject to renewal as needed.

Water map of the boundaries of the Arabian Shield and the excluded area in the sedimentary basin