Doha: Qatar’s construction sector remains vibrant and resilient as building permits in the country continue to rise. Issuance of building permits has increased significantly since the beginning of this year, according to Planning to Statistics Authority data.
A total of 743 building permits were issued in April this year compared to 662 permits issued in same month last year, showing a rise of 12 percent. In March this year, 713 building permits were issued against 712 permits in 2018.
The rising trend was witnessed in February also as total 675 building permits were issued in the month, compared to 640 permits showing a rise of 5.5 percent.
In January this year 790 building permits were issued against 677 permits in December 2018, showing a rise of 17 percent.
Building permits and building completion certificates data is of particular importance as it is considered an indicator for the performance of the construction sector which in turn occupies a significant position in the national economy.
The strong momentum in construction activity leads to increase in the demand for building materials. The demand for building material was strong, which is evident from data available with ports. According to Mwani Qatar, the ports witnessed around 30 percent rise in handling of building materials, last month.
The ports handled 46,173 tonnes of building materials in May this year, compared to 35,715 tonnes in the previous month. The movement of building materials was also strong in the first quarter of this year.
The ports handled 110,938 tonnes of building materials during the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter last year, reflecting 37 percent growth. P2
