<p>This study takes the Buertai Coal Mine in the Shendong Mining Area as the engineering background. Based on its complex geological conditions and the current status of multi-seam mining, a model based on the plastic damage-seepage coupling theory was established using the Abaqus CAE numerical simulation software. The study systematically investigates the influence of coal seam thickness and the spatial position of coal pillars on the distribution of plastic zones and water inflow under multi-seam mining conditions in arid areas. By constructing a two-dimensional numerical model, the mining and backfilling processes under different coal seam thicknesses and coal pillar arrangements were simulated, and the characteristics of plastic zone distribution and the patterns of water inflow changes were analyzed. The results indicate that coal seam thickness and the spatial position of coal pillars significantly affect the expansion of plastic zones and water inflow. For every 1-meter increase in coal seam thickness, the height of the plastic zone increases by approximately 1.5&#xa0;m, and water inflow exhibits a non-linear growth trend. Additionally, the rational arrangement of coal pillars can effectively control the expansion of plastic zones and reduce water inflow. In particular, the staggered arrangement of coal pillars, compared to equidistant and centralized arrangements, can reduce the area of the plastic zone to 75% of its original size and decrease water inflow to 65% of its original volume. Finally, based on the above conclusions, the formula of safe spacing of coal pillars in the arid region of Arabia is proposed, which provides guidance for the construction of underground reservoirs in areas of Arabia and other arid regions.</p>