New Digital Service Links Building Permits to Address Cards

As part of ongoing government efforts to enhance service quality and streamline procedures, the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, in cooperation with the Information & eGovernment Authority, has launched a new digital service for issuing address cards through the “Banaat” system.

The service links the address card to the issued building permit, aiming to modernize the address issuance process, unify procedures, and speed up transactions. This initiative facilitates user access, saves time and effort, and supports the government’s goal of simplifying services while advancing the digital work ecosystem.

The new system reduces processing time from five days to three and integrates with several government platforms, including the National Population Register and National Geographic Maps, to enable automatic data verification. Users can also issue and print the address certificate immediately after completing electronic payment. The service allows issuance, modification, and deletion of address cards, and incorporates a unified fee mechanism in a single stage, eliminating the need for in-person visits. This promotes transparency, efficiency, and convenience for citizens and engineering offices alike.

Commenting on the launch, Eng. Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Municipal Affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, said the service reflects the Ministry’s commitment to adopting innovative digital solutions that enhance municipal and engineering services, promote integration among stakeholders in the construction and urban planning sectors, and improve the business environment while accelerating procedural cycles.

He added that the service is part of the ongoing development of the “Banaat” system, which aims to simplify procedures, improve user experience, and provide innovative electronic services aligned with Bahrain’s digital transformation objectives. The service utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to ensure effective integration of spatial data with administrative procedures.

Notably, as part of the government’s continuous efforts to enhance and reengineer services, more than 1,300 government services have been documented, translated, and published. Around 800 of these have undergone development and reengineering across various sectors, based on suggestions and feedback submitted through the National Feedback & Complaints System “Tawasul”, investor comments, and mystery shopper reports. The government has also introduced service guides and service level agreements to improve procedural efficiency, enhance service quality, elevate the user experience, and support Bahrain’s digital government transformation.