Building permit approval made simple

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsobahrain.com

Bahrain is making it easier to secure building permits with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture rolling out measures such as ‘Welcome, Let’s Get You Licensed’ and ‘Act to Correct’. The aim is to reduce rule-breaking, speed up approvals, and assist over 12,000 applicants recorded this year. Responding to a question from MP Jalal Kadhem Hassan, the ministry outlined a series of campaigns designed to simplify applications and ensure compliance before construction begins.

These include ‘License Your Building,’ ‘A Day with the Building Permit Section,’ and the ‘Stage-Based Building Monitoring Form.’ From January to September, the Capital Municipality and the municipalities of Muharraq, Northern, and Southern regions issued 12,205 permits for projects ranging from new builds and extensions to demolitions, fencing, and excavation. At the same time, 2,375 violations were identified.

To improve the process, the ministry is working with other government bodies to update construction rules and approvals. It is also using aerial imagery to detect breaches early, ensuring greater transparency.

Violations

Inspection teams continue to act on violations, prioritising complaints raised through ‘Tawasul,’ Bahrain’s national system for suggestions and grievances. This approach has helped address issues more quickly and improved services for residents. The ministry says these changes will reduce breaches, ease the process for applicants, and enhance Bahrain’s urban appeal.