Bahrain Launches 8 New E-Services in ‘Benayat’ Building Permit Platform to Boost Efficiency for Investors

As part of ongoing efforts to improve service efficiency and streamline procedures for investors, the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, H.E. Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, has announced the launch of eight new electronic services on the Kingdom’s national building permit system “Benayat” (www.benayat.bh).

The new services were developed in collaboration with the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), aiming to enhance user experience for property owners, engineering offices, developers, and related government bodies.

“These new additions reflect the Ministry’s commitment to digital transformation and to supporting a business-friendly environment by simplifying and accelerating the building permit process,” Minister Al Mubarak said. The newly introduced services include:

• Renovation Permits

• Fencing Permits

• Property Separation Permits

• Property Merger Permits

• Change of Use Permits

• Land Reclamation Permits (Land & Marine)

• Modification Permits for New Construction

The Benayat system, first launched to centralize and digitize building permit applications in Bahrain, now offers a total of 15 e-services. The latest update is part of a broader initiative to reduce paperwork, eliminate the need for in-person visits, and cut processing times by up to 90% in some cases. According to the ministry, most permit applications can now be completed within 1 to 3 working days.

“These enhancements provide end-to-end services from licensing to construction, all the way through utility connections, without having to re-enter previously submitted data,” the Minister added. “This aligns with the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals and improves overall transparency and service quality.”

The platform also includes an interactive digital map, allowing property owners and investors—both local and international—to view land status and necessary pre-approvals, thereby supporting informed investment decisions.

CEO of the Information & eGovernment Authority, Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, praised the ministry’s efforts and highlighted the strategic partnership between both entities. “This is a major step forward in implementing the directives of Bahrain’s leadership to modernize public services and create an integrated, investor-friendly digital ecosystem,” he stated.

Al Qaed noted that the full digitization of these services, particularly those relating to land and marine reclamation, has not only simplified the application process but also reduced the number of governmental bodies involved—accelerating approvals and ensuring higher customer satisfaction.

The “Benayat” system integrates with Bahrain’s National Geographic Information Database, which houses over 300 data layers used by more than 30 public and private sector entities, enabling smarter planning and faster decision-making across the real estate and investment sectors.

For more details on the new services, users are encouraged to visit www.benayat.bh or contact the National Suggestion and Complaint System (Tawasul).