Qatar's Building Permits Surge in March 2024

In March, Qatar experienced a significant increase in residential building permits, with a total of 257 licenses issued, up from 193 the previous month. The data, released by Qatar’s Planning and Statistics Authority, revealed that villas were the most preferred type of construction, accounting for 88% of all new residential building permits. Apartments followed with an 11% share, totaling 29 approvals, while other residential buildings secured a mere 1%, with only two licenses granted.

Among the cities, Al-Rayyan emerged as the leader, issuing 210 building permits, representing 28% of the total approvals. Al-Doha municipality secured the second spot with 179 permits, making up 24% of the total, while Al-Wakrah ranked third with 120 licenses, constituting 16% of the overall permits. Al-Da’ayen followed closely behind, issuing 111 licenses, representing 15% of the total approvals.

Regarding the types of approvals granted, the data indicated that new construction licenses for residential and non-residential units constituted 42% of the total approvals, with 310 clearances issued. Extension constructions accounted for 53%, totaling 399 licenses, while permissions for fencing recorded a modest 5%, with 38 building approvals granted.

In terms of non-residential structures, industrial buildings led the way with 18 approvals, followed by service and infrastructure buildings with 13 licenses, and commercial constructions with nine permits. Comparing the approvals in March 2024 to the previous month, there was an overall decrease of 8%, with Al-Sheehaniya and Al-Doha municipalities experiencing the most significant declines at 42% and 26%, respectively. Al-Wakrah and Al-Khor each saw a 20% decrease, while Al-Rayyan witnessed a 9% drop. Al-Shammal registered a 54% reduction, and Umm Slal and Al-Da’ayen saw declines of 26% and 10%, respectively.