There was a 67% rise in the total number of building permits issued across the country in the month of August compared to the previous month, according to figures released by ministry of development planning & statistics yesterday.
   More than one-third of the total number of building permits issued last month were in places coming under Rayyan municipality which includes areas of Al Sheehaniya as well.
The increase in the number of permits was 127% in Rayyan, Wakrah (38%),  Umm Salal (72%), Al Da’ayen (69%)  Al Khor (32%) and Al Shamal (8%).
According to the latest figures, Rayyan accounted for as many as 234 permits in August, which was approximately 38% of the total number of new permits issued in the whole month. Doha (100 permits) was second (16%) and Al Wakrah (91) third with 15%, followed by Al Da’ayen (81 permits) 13%, Al Khor (50, 8%), Umm Salal (43, 7%) and Al Shamal (17, 3%).
Another significant finding was that residential and non-residential buildings together accounted for 351 (57%) out of the total 616 permits while 237 permits (38%) were issued for effecting extensions or modifications in the old buildings. The permits for fencing were issued for 5% (28) of the buildings.
Among the new residential building permits, 151 (48%) were for villas and dwellings, made of housing loans accounted for 39% (121 permits) and apartment buildings constituted (11%, 35 permits).
In the list of non-residential buildings, commercial buildings led with 51% (20 permits) while industrial buildings accounted for 23% (9 permits) and mosques 15% (6). Other buildings accounted for 8% (3 permits).
In July, a total of 369 building permits were issued.  Rayyan topped with 103, and Doha had 84. The permits issued in other municipalities were Wakrah (66),  Da’ayen (48),  Al Khor (38), Umm Salal (25) and Al Shamal (5).