Saudi Building Permits Rise 16% in July 2026

Saudi Arabia issued 5,828 building permits in July 2026, a 16% increase from the 5,045 permits recorded in June and a 4% rise compared with 5,582 permits in July 2025. The figures point to steady activity in the Kingdom's construction sector.

All permit applications are handled electronically through the Balady platform using Unified National Access via أبشر or نفاذ. Applicants select Building Permit Services, choose a building or fencing permit, identify the owner and applicant, pick the survey decision, and select a ministry-approved engineering office. They then submit the application, upload designs and required reports, obtain any external approvals, pay the invoice, and print the permit.

Required documents can include architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, energy-efficiency, fire-safety, soil-study, traffic-study, water-system and thermal-insulation files, along with contractor, supervision and hidden-defect-insurance details. A permit only becomes usable after municipal permit fees and hidden-defect insurance fees are paid.

How fees are calculated

Exact fees are not fixed nationally. They depend on the project, land, use, area and municipality, and are calculated through Balady's Information Fee Calculator, then shown on the issued invoice. The calculator service itself is free, though the permit and mandatory insurance may carry charges.

Construction permits and survey decisions generally remain valid for three years, with renewal required if construction is unfinished. Balady self-service is available around the clock, while municipal customer service can be reached on 199040, normally from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Permit inquiries are electronic through Balady and carry no inquiry fee or penalty.

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