Doha: There has been a significant increase in the number of construction permits granted in various municipalities in the country. This indicates the performance excellence of the construction sector. There was a 37 percent increase in permit issuance in January compared to December. According to the figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority, 721 new permits were issued in January.
In January, 192 permits were issued for new residential buildings, 83 for non-residential buildings, 423 for building additions and 23 for fencing. Construction completion certificates were issued for 162 villas, 16 apartments, 42 commercial buildings, 5 government buildings and 11 industrial buildings. These are the municipalities that saw an increase in permit issuance in January over December.
Al Khor (132 percent), Al Shihaniya (72 percent), Al Rayan (64 percent), Al Dayeen (46 percent), Al Shamal (42), Al Waqra (23), and Doha (13 percent). Al Rayan Municipality, meanwhile, issued the highest number of permits – 179. This accounts for 25 percent of the total permits. Al Waqra Municipality is in the second place with 160 permits distributed. Doha Municipality distributed 141 permits and Al Dayen 111 permits. Among the new permits issued in January, villas led the way in the residential category – 86.46 percent. 7.29 percent is for apartments and 1.56 percent for others.
58 percent of the permits are for commercial buildings. 22 percent is for industrial buildings like workshops and factories. 10 per cent permits were allotted for government buildings. The construction sector plays a significant role in the growth of the national economy. Before the FIFA World Cup, many villas and apartments were newly built or renovated.
From 2012 to 2021, when the hosting of the World Cup was announced, there was a huge growth in the construction sector. In 2021, a year before the World Cup, 9,505 permits were granted. The availability of residential buildings increased with the FIFA World Cup. After August last year, the rent of residential units has increased by up to hundred percent. Although the rents were expected to decrease after the World Cup, the rents for villas and the like are still high.
