This study aims to develop an integrated framework for assessing groundwater vulnerability and delineating potential recharge zones within the Ank Djamel basin, located in northeastern Algeria. Utilizing a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis combined with remote sensing techniques, this research addresses a critical knowledge gap concerning groundwater vulnerability assessment in semi-arid regions. Four established vulnerability assessment models—DRASTIC, SINTACS, GOD, and SI—were applied alongside the Analytical Hierarchy Process to systematically weigh the influencing factors. The study area, covering approximately 1232 km², exhibits notable spatial heterogeneity in vulnerability levels. Specifically, the SI model classified 34.37% of the basin as highly vulnerable, whereas the DRASTIC model identified 16.68% under the same category, with the GOD model yielding the most conservative estimates. Validation against nitrate concentration measurements corroborated the reliability of the DRASTIC and SI models in capturing agricultural contamination risks. Furthermore, groundwater potential mapping indicated that 40.10% of the area possesses moderate potential, while 11.74% (equivalent to 144.36 km²) demonstrates high and promising potential. Model accuracy was substantiated by a validation rate of 71%, reflected by an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.710. This integrative analytical approach offers a robust decision-support tool for sustainable groundwater resource management, facilitating the identification of protection zones and optimal drilling sites. The study's originality lies in the comprehensive integration and empirical validation of multiple vulnerability models, thereby significantly enhancing their applicability to comparable semi-arid environments. Acknowledging data availability and quality constraints, the framework underscores the importance of incorporating spatial data robustness in future hydrogeological investigations.