Qatar’s construction sector is on the verge of a strong recovery according to data prepared and provided by the Planning & Statistics Authority (PSA). The number of building permits issued is an important indicator of the performance of the construction sector.

It includes the number of permits approved for residential and non-residential buildings including, but not limited or restricted to villas and apartments, offices, shops, stores and other commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, mosques, warehouses, workshops and factories and other buildings.

The numbers suggest that the construction sector has returned to pre-pandemic levels with a total of 972 building permits issued in December 2020, the highest number of the year. In addition, the data for the fourth quarter of 2020 saw the highest number of building permits with a total of 2,465. In comparison, a total of 7,805 building permits were issued in the twelve months or four quarters of 2020.

The increase in building permits translates into a higher demand for raw materials and manpower.
Due to the limitations and restrictions related to Covid-19 and the disruption of national, regional and international supply-chains, the activity in the construction sector severely decreased in the first half of 2020. The first quarter saw 1,996 building permits issued with 2,018 building permits in the second quarter of 2020 and 1,326 building permits in the third quarter of 2020.

The Ministry of Municipality & Environment has upgraded the electronic management systems which results in a more streamlined service including, but not limited or restricted to the approving and issuing of building permits, awarding of certificates of building construction completion and other services. These improvements save time and effort for all involved.

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