Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing issued more than 34,000 building permits across the Kingdom during the first six months of 2026, with residential projects accounting for the majority of approvals.
The ministry said over 28,000 residential permits were issued between January and June, alongside more than 5,000 commercial permits and over 1,000 permits for government buildings.
Officials attributed the increase to continued improvements in the municipal licensing system and the expansion of digital services through the Balady platform. The online system has streamlined permit applications, shortened processing times, improved customer services and strengthened coordination between government agencies.
According to the ministry, the figures reflect sustained urban growth and the continued expansion of residential, commercial and public sector development projects across the Kingdom.
The ministry said it will continue working with municipalities to enhance licensing procedures, expand digital services and improve operational efficiency as part of broader efforts to strengthen municipal services and support urban development.
The latest figures follow the ministry’s announcement that it issued and renewed more than 274,000 commercial licenses during the first half of 2026. The total included more than 97,000 new licenses and over 177,000 renewals.
Authorities also processed more than 91,000 commercial license amendments, over 43,000 requests to add business activities and nearly 39,000 ownership transfers, supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve the business environment through expanded digital services.
