Copyright dohanews
When an engineer submits a project, he automatically receives feedback to correct any issues. What used to take months now takes 120 minutes. This is the very first AI tool integrated with building permits in Qatar and worldwide. The AI-Powered Building Permit System, uses advanced artificial intelligence to automatically read, analyse, and check engineering drawings against approved technical standards, spotting errors and ensuring compliance in minutes. A pioneering initiative designed to revolutionise municipal services, first of its kind in the world, was launched by Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality on Sunday at the Raffles Hotel, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the significance of the new system on his official social media account, describing it as a key milestone in the country’s ongoing digital transformation. “We launched today the building permit issuance system using artificial intelligence technologies at the Ministry of Municipality, in a pioneering step that marks the beginning of a national path to expand AI applications in government work across various sectors. “ The main goal is, Qatar’s PM-FM concluded, to streamline procedures and enhance service quality, in support of Qatar’s national vision goals. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiya, Minister of Municipality, described the launch as a historic milestone for Qatar as the first country in the world to launch a comprehensive system for issuing building permits using this advanced technology. “This unprecedented achievement enhances Qatar’s standing among developed nations and represents a strategic step toward providing distinguished government services characterized by efficiency, speed, and accuracy, meeting the aspirations of citizens and investors alike.” Efficiency, accuracy, and economic impact The efficiency, speed and accuracy start with engineers and consultancy firms pre-checking their plans before submitting them, catching mistakes early and avoiding delays. The result is a smoother, more reliable process that saves time, reduces frustration, and gets projects moving at record speed, Ministry of Municipality highlights. Darwish Yousef Fakhroo, Head of Technical Studies at the Ministry, explained that the AI powered build permit system provides all the tools investors and engineers need in the process of submitting applications, because it is linked to the Municipality’s rules and regulation manual. “When an engineer submits a project, he automatically receives feedback to correct any issues and knows exactly what needs to be fixed, at the spot. What used to take months now takes 120 minutes. “Explains Fakhroo. The very first AI tool integrated with building permits in Qatar and worldwide, was developed in partnership with the Brain Co. a Silicon Valley based AI company by combining Brain Co.’s frontier AI technology with the Ministry’s expertise and vision. Clemens Mewald, CEO of Brain Co., emphasized the economic benefits that come from reducing the times of application that used to take up to 50 days. “This reduces financing and holding costs, shortens construction delays, and provides immediate AI feedback to consultants so they can adjust their plans to meet construction regulations.” Mewald explained that by the end of the year, the system will be able to issue permits automatically, as long as all construction requirements and checks are successfully met In addition to cutting permit approval times from 30 days to just 120 minutes and allowing consultancy offices and investors to pre-check submissions, the Ministry highlighted several other key benefits of the new system, including the fact that up to 70% of processes in the first phase are handled entirely by AI without human intervention. According to the Ministry, the system minimizes errors in engineering drawings and improves compliance with technical standards. It is expected to save over 120,000 working hours annually and generate more than QAR 375 million in economic benefits each year. The system is available 24/7, supporting the building industry, unifying technical standards, and providing a reliable, consistent process for permit issuance. The AI-Powered Building Permit System aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy, reinforcing the country’s commitment to digital government services and smart solutions. The Ministry of Municipality aims to continue expanding AI applications across other government services, improving efficiency, transparency, and trust in public institutions
