Residents in the northern emirate of Fujairah who are considering drilling wells for groundwater are required to obtain a permit from the relevant authorities. Failure to do so can result in fines ranging from Dh2,000 to Dh10,000. The Fujairah Environment Authority offers a service to regulate the drilling of wells according to environmental standards. This service is available to individuals, commercial entities, industrial companies, and mining companies.
The process of obtaining a permit involves several steps, including registering as a customer, submitting the application with all necessary documents, inspecting the site, making technical notes, paying environmental fees, and obtaining the drilling permit. The documentation required includes a list of vehicles registered in the owner’s name, a valid trade license, an environmental license, a land map showing the well location, and confirmation from Etihad Water and Electricity about the absence of a water connection.
The permit for drilling a new well in Fujairah is available to individuals and legal entities, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The application process typically takes two working days, and interested parties can submit their requests online through the authority’s website. The fees for digging a water well on a farm amount to Dh200, while drilling a water well in facilities is subject to a fee of Dh10,000.
Companies seeking to drill wells in Fujairah must be licensed in the emirate and comply with specific terms of service. The service does not include residential homes or animal barns and requires a letter from Etihad Water and Electricity confirming the unavailability of the water network. Additionally, facilities must pay monthly fees based on water consumption, renew their environmental licenses annually, conduct regular groundwater quality analyses, and adhere to all regulations related to water well ownership.
It is essential to obtain prior approval and permits before undertaking any modifications, changes, cleaning, or maintenance on the well. The facility must also ensure that the drilling company provides a waste management plan. The certificate issued for the well ownership becomes invalid if the professional license expires or the activity is canceled. Fujairah Environment Authority monitors and regulates the usage of water wells to ensure compliance with environmental standards and requirements.
