Article 11 of the Saudi Water Law
المادة 11 من نظام المياه · الفصل الرابع: مصادر الياه وملكيتها
The article provides that licenses to use well water sources do not pass with the transfer of ownership of the land containing the source except with the Ministry's approval.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا تنتقل تراخيص استخدام مصادر مياه الآبار تبعًا لنقل ملكية الأرض المشتملة على المصدر إلا بعد موافقة الوزارة.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 11 explained in plain English
This article addresses a common issue in sales of land and farms: what happens to the well license when ownership of the land transfers.
The rule is that licenses to use well water sources do not pass with the transfer of ownership of the land containing the source, except with the Ministry's approval.
In practice this means:
- The sale of land, or the transfer of its ownership by any means, does not automatically transfer the well license to the new owner.
- Transfer of the license needs the Ministry's approval.
- Someone who buys land with a licensed well does not become the holder of the license merely by taking ownership.
The text does not specify the procedures, conditions or time for requesting approval. It also concerns licenses for well water specifically.
This rule ties in with the Ministry's right under Article 10 to impose meters on wells in non-renewable layers, which is part of the Ministry's oversight of well use. It is followed by Article 12, which sets the priorities for water use.
Because this rule affects the value of land and dealings in it, anyone selling or buying land with a well would do well to consult a lawyer who specializes in real estate cases and water laws.
Practical example
Abdullah bought a farm in Kharj with a well licensed in the previous owner's name. Transferring ownership of the farm to him does not automatically transfer the well license; the license passes to him only with the Ministry's approval.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 11 of the Saudi Water Law
Does the well license transfer when the land is sold?
It does not pass with the transfer of ownership of the land except with the Ministry's approval.
What should I do if I buy land with a licensed well?
The text requires the Ministry's approval for the license to use the well water source to pass to you.
Does the rule cover all types of licenses?
The article speaks of licenses to use well water sources.
More articles on Ownership of Water Sources and Use Licenses
- Article 7
The article provides that water sources are surface water and renewable and non-renewable groundwater.
تشمل مصادرُ المياه ما يأتي: 1- المياه السطحية. 2- المياه الجوفية المتجددة، وغير المتجددة.
- Article 8
The article provides that water sources are public property to be benefited from in accordance with the Water Law and other laws, without prejudice to rights established by Sharia.
دون إخلال بالحقوق المُقررة شرعًا، تُعد مصادر المياه ملكًا عامًا، يتم الانتفاع بها طبقًا لأحكام النظام والأنظمة الأخرى.
- Article 9
The article bars using or developing any water source other than seawater, or preparing for either, without a license, and requires the Ministry's prior approval for the site of any desalination plant.
1- فيما عدا مياه البحر، لا يجوز لأي شخص استخدام أي مصدر مائي، أو تنميته، أو الإعداد لذلك إلا بعد الحصول على الرخصة اللازمة؛ وفقًا للمقابل المالي للرخصة الذي تحد
- Article 10
The article gives the Ministry the right to impose meters on wells in non-renewable aquifers to monitor consumption under the water allowances, and lets the Ministerial Committee consider imposing a fee when the allowance is exceeded.
للوزارة الحق في فرض تركيب عدادات؛ لقياس تدفق المياه من الآبار الواقعة في الطبقات الحاملة للمياه غير المتجددة؛ لمراقبة وتنظيم كمية استهلاك وترشيد استخدامها؛ وفقً
- Article 34
The article requires the Ministry, before transferring a source use license from one user to another, to verify there is no higher-priority or more viable request and that the new use fits the strategy and safe yield, and to coordinate with the Authority where needed.
1- على الوزارة -قبل نقل رخصة استخدام المصدر من مستخدم إلى آخر- التحقق من عدم وجود طلب آخر أكثر أولوية أو أكثر جدوى من الاستخدام المطلوب النقل إليه، وأن يكون الا
- Article 35
The article authorizes the Ministry or the Authority, each within its jurisdiction, to impose a financial charge on licenses and on applications to transfer water use rights.
تفرض الوزارة أو الهيئة -بحسب الاختصاص- مقابلاً ماليًا على الرخص وطلبات نقل حقوق الاستخدام.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.