Latest news with #Benayat
Daily Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Councillor proposes automatic refunds for building deposits
Refunding building deposits would become automatic under a new proposal being examined by Muharraq Municipal Council, ending a lengthy process blamed for delays and confusion among residents. Councill or Abdul qader Mahmoud introduced the idea, inspired by an existing system used in Diyar Al Muharraq, where refunds happen automatically once a Building Completion Certificate is granted. Cetificate Currently, residents must apply for this certificate and then separately request their deposit back, often leading to unclaimed cash piling up in municipal coffers. Under Mahmoud's proposal, applicants would enter their banking information at the same time they apply for building or renovation permits. Once an inspector issues the completion certificate, the deposited funds would transfer directly to the applicant's bank, accompanied by a notification confirming the transaction. Pressure Muharraq Council believes the change would reduce pressure on municipal staff and make financial processes clearer and easier to track. The existing digital system, known as Benayat, reportedly has the capability to manage such automated transfers without major adjustments. The council will now recommend that the Minister of Municipalities Affairs issues a directive formally endorsing the automatic refund scheme and updating digital platforms accordingly. Coordination workshop To ensure smooth implementation, a coordination workshop between municipal bodies, inspectors, and finance teams would clarify roles and duties. Additionally, a public awareness drive would ensure residents provide accurate banking details from the outset.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Eight new services launched to speed up building permits
Bahrain - Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak yesterday announced the launch of eight new services on the Benayat electronic building permit system ( It has been launched in co-operation with the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), as part of efforts to enhance service efficiency and streamline procedures for investors and stakeholders. The new services include renovation, fencing, subdivision, merging, land and marine reclamation, change-of-use and modification permits for new buildings. These services support both investment and residential projects and are fully digitised, reducing processing times and the number of entities involved. The minister noted that the ongoing collaboration with iGA aims to enhance municipal services in Bahrain by simplifying procedures, improving efficiency and raising satisfaction among customers, investors and engineering offices. He added that the ministry continues to provide support and guidance to engineering offices, ensuring effective service delivery. The platform reflects the government's commitment to digital transformation across sectors, offering citizens and investors an efficient way to manage permit applications. The new services are also designed to increase procedural chief executive Mohammed Al Qaed commended the ministry's commitment to digital transformation, in line with government directives and the decisions of the ministerial committee for information and communication technology. He underlined the importance of the strategic partnership between the ministry and iGA in strengthening Bahrain's digital infrastructure, particularly in real estate and investment sectors. Mr Al Qaed noted that the new services deliver an integrated experience for engineering offices, property owners, government entities and developers. The fully digital process shortens permit issuance times and reduces the number of government entities involved, while improving user interfaces and enabling automated fee payments and permit issuance. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Bahrain News Gazette
04-05-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
Municipalities Minister Announces Launch of Eight New Services on Benayat System
Manama: Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, announced the launch of eight new services on the Benayat electronic building permit system ( in cooperation with the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), as part of efforts to enhance service efficiency and streamline procedures for investors and stakeholders. According to Bahrain News Agency, the new services include renovation, fencing, subdivision, merging, land and marine reclamation, change-of-use, and modification permits for new buildings. These services support both investment and residential projects and are fully digitised, reducing processing times and the number of entities involved. The Minister noted that the ongoing collaboration with iGA aims to enhance municipal services in Bahrain by simplifying procedures, improving efficiency, and raising satisfaction among customers, investors, and engineering offices. He added that the Ministry continues to provide support and guidance to engineering offices, ensuring effective service delivery. The platform reflects the government's commitment to digital transformation across sectors, offering citizens and investors an efficient way to manage permit applications. The new services are also designed to increase procedural transparency. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, iGA Chief Executive, commended the Ministry's commitment to digital transformation, in line with government directives and the decisions of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology. He underlined the importance of the strategic partnership between the Ministry and iGA in strengthening Bahrain's digital infrastructure, particularly in real estate and investment sectors. Al Qaed noted that the new services deliver an integrated experience for engineering offices, property owners, government entities, and developers. The fully digital process shortens permit issuance times and reduces the number of government entities involved, while improving user interfaces and enabling automated fee payments and permit issuance. The e-services offer end-to-end processing for various transactions. The fencing permit allows landowners and engineers to secure property boundaries; renovation permits support structural repairs without affecting the building's core integrity; subdivision and merging services streamline land configuration; while use-change permits, reclamation permits, and permit modifications support evolving real estate needs. All services have been digitised and timeframes reduced. With the addition of the new services, Benayat now offers a total of 15 e-services. These have reduced paper transactions, eliminated the need for in-person visits, and cut processing time by up to 90% in some stages. Applications can now be completed in 1-3 working days. The system also integrates other government services such as utility connections and includes an interactive map enabling investors to assess property status and pre-approvals, improving transparency and confidence. Benayat serves as the national platform for all building permits in Bahrain. It allows engineering offices to submit and track applications, pay fees, and access requirements through a nationwide interactive map. The platform is integrated with the National Geospatial Information Database, comprising over 300 data layers from 30+ entities, helping accelerate procedures, support planning, and strengthen coordination among stakeholders to meet sustainable development goals. Further information is available via the national suggestions and complaints system 'Tawasul' or through the platform's website at
Biz Bahrain
04-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Municipalities Minister announces launch of eight new services on Benayat system
Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, announced the launch of eight new services on the Benayat electronic building permit system ( in cooperation with the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), as part of efforts to enhance service efficiency and streamline procedures for investors and stakeholders. The new services include renovation, fencing, subdivision, merging, land and marine reclamation, change-of-use, and modification permits for new buildings. These services support both investment and residential projects and are fully digitised, reducing processing times and the number of entities involved. The Minister noted that the ongoing collaboration with iGA aims to enhance municipal services in Bahrain by simplifying procedures, improving efficiency, and raising satisfaction among customers, investors, and engineering offices. He added that the Ministry continues to provide support and guidance to engineering offices, ensuring effective service delivery. The platform reflects the government's commitment to digital transformation across sectors, offering citizens and investors an efficient way to manage permit applications. The new services are also designed to increase procedural transparency. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, iGA Chief Executive, commended the Ministry's commitment to digital transformation, in line with government directives and the decisions of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology. He underlined the importance of the strategic partnership between the Ministry and iGA in strengthening Bahrain's digital infrastructure, particularly in real estate and investment sectors. Al Qaed noted that the new services deliver an integrated experience for engineering offices, property owners, government entities, and developers. The fully digital process shortens permit issuance times and reduces the number of government entities involved, while improving user interfaces and enabling automated fee payments and permit issuance. The e-services offer end-to-end processing for various transactions. The fencing permit allows landowners and engineers to secure property boundaries; renovation permits support structural repairs without affecting the building's core integrity; subdivision and merging services streamline land configuration; while use-change permits, reclamation permits, and permit modifications support evolving real estate needs. All services have been digitised and timeframes reduced. With the addition of the new services, Benayat now offers a total of 15 e-services. These have reduced paper transactions, eliminated the need for in-person visits, and cut processing time by up to 90% in some stages. Applications can now be completed in 1–3 working days. The system also integrates other government services such as utility connections and includes an interactive map enabling investors to assess property status and pre-approvals, improving transparency and confidence. Benayat serves as the national platform for all building permits in Bahrain. It allows engineering offices to submit and track applications, pay fees, and access requirements through a nationwide interactive map. The platform is integrated with the National Geospatial Information Database, comprising over 300 data layers from 30+ entities, helping accelerate procedures, support planning, and strengthen coordination among stakeholders to meet sustainable development goals. Further information is available via the national suggestions and complaints system 'Tawasul' or through the platform's website at BNA(R)
Daily Tribune
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
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' ( 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 or contact the National Suggestion and Complaint System (Tawasul).
