Bahrain ยท ู ู ููุฉ ุงูุจุญุฑูู
Bahrain Construction & Trades Software Directory
Independent reviews of 23 Bahrain-relevant listings: global project, scheduling and design platforms (Oracle Primavera P6, Oracle Aconex, Autodesk Forma, Bentley Systems, Procore, PlanRadar), ERPs with a Manama office or partner (Focus Softnet, PACT ERP, Diamond Software), accounting software (Zoho Books, Wafeq, TallyPrime), contractor insurers and ProTenders project intelligence, plus the Bahrain bodies for VAT, licensing, permits and government tenders (NBR, CRPEP, Ministry of Works, Tender Board, LMRA, Benayat, Civil Defence).
Deciding between two options?
See Bahrain vendors compared side by side: pros and cons, Bahrain-specific notes and pricing, head to head.
What's different about choosing software in Bahrain
Four points to check when choosing software and planning work in Bahrain. First, who supports the product locally: no Bahrain office or reseller was confirmed for Autodesk, Bentley, Procore or PlanRadar (Procore lists a UAE site and a Dubai phone number; Bentley's nearest listed offices are in Dubai and Al Khobar), while Focus Softnet and Diamond Software have Manama offices and PACT ERP sells through a Manama partner. Second, VAT is 10% (raised from 5% on 1 January 2022), so check that your accounting tool applies Bahrain's rate: Zoho Books has a Bahrain edition with VAT reports, but Wafeq's Bahrain pages do not describe Bahrain VAT returns and Tally's site has no Bahrain VAT page, so ask to see a Bahrain VAT report in a demo. Third, an e-invoicing mandate was not yet in force as of PwC's July 2026 review; PwC notes the market expects one similar to Saudi Arabia's, and Gulf Daily News reported an e-invoicing push in July 2026, with no confirmed start date, so choose software that can adapt. Fourth, public work and permits have separate gates: the Tender Board's FAQ says it oversees purchases above BHD 50,000 by government purchasing authorities (above BHD 100,000 for fully government-owned companies) through its eTendering system, the Ministry of Works runs its own contractor prequalification by category for its building, roads, sanitary and landscape works, and new buildings and large additions must be filed on Benayat through a CRPEP-licensed engineering office, while owners can file small additions and demolitions themselves.
Construction & trades software
Global project, scheduling and design platforms: Oracle Primavera P6, Oracle Aconex, Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud, part of Forma since March 2026), Bentley Systems, Procore and PlanRadar. ERPs with a Manama office or partner: Focus Softnet, PACT ERP (through Aramis Enterprise Solutions WLL) and Diamond Software. Accounting software: Zoho Books, Wafeq and TallyPrime. Bentley, PlanRadar, Zoho Books and Wafeq publish prices on their own sites; TallyPrime's Gulf-currency prices could not be read, and the rest are quote-based.
Oracle Primavera P6
Tier A ยท ListedOracle's project scheduling and portfolio management software
Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management (P6 EPPM) is Oracle's software for planning, scheduling and managing projects, programs and portfolios. Oracle's documentation says it runs on-premises or in the cloud, and version 26 is the newest release in its library. It is built for large, schedule-driven projects, not for small-firm admin or accounting. Oracle also sells a separate cloud product, Oracle Primavera Cloud.
Bahrain-specific note
Mainly worth it when a Bahrain client or main contractor asks for schedules in P6 format. It does not handle invoicing, VAT or bookkeeping, so pair it with an accounting tool.
Pros
- + Plans and schedules projects, programs and portfolios
- + On-premises or cloud deployment
- + Actively updated (version 26 in Oracle's library)
- + Handles portfolios, not only single projects
Cons
- โ No public price found this run; quote from Oracle or a partner
- โ Scheduling and project control only, not accounting or ERP
- โ More than a small contractor needs for simple jobs
- โ Takes trained planners to run well
Oracle Aconex
Tier A ยท ListedOracle's cloud document control and project collaboration platform
Oracle Aconex is a cloud platform for sharing and controlling project documents, project mail and approval workflows between the many companies on a construction project. Oracle's help centre also lists Field, Cost, Models, Packages, Tenders/Bids and Supplier Documents modules and a mobile app. Oracle agreed to buy Aconex in December 2017.
Bahrain-specific note
Aconex controls project documents and correspondence; it does not issue invoices or handle VAT, so pair it with an accounting tool.
Pros
- + Documents, project mail and approval workflows in one system
- + Built for many companies working on one project
- + Extra modules for field, cost, models and tenders
- + Mobile app for site teams
Cons
- โ No public price found this run; quote from Oracle
- โ Document control, not accounting or ERP
- โ Heavy for small jobs with few parties
- โ Help centre not offered in Arabic
Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud)
Tier A ยท ListedAutodesk's construction platform, now sold under the Autodesk Forma name
Autodesk Construction Cloud became part of Autodesk Forma on 24 March 2026, and its products were renamed: Autodesk Build is now Forma Build, alongside Forma Data Management, Forma Takeoff, Forma Estimate and Model Management tools such as Navisworks. Autodesk sells them in bundles for model management, preconstruction and construction operations. It suits firms whose projects already use Autodesk models.
Bahrain-specific note
Worth considering if your Bahrain projects already use Autodesk models, for example in Navisworks. Ask Autodesk for a local partner before buying, as no Bahrain reseller could be confirmed.
Pros
- + Covers document control, takeoff, estimating and field work
- + Model tools such as Navisworks in the same family
- + Bundles priced by user, project or account
- + Free trials offered on Autodesk's site
Cons
- โ No public prices; bundles are quote-based
- โ Product names changed in March 2026, so older guides are out of date
- โ No confirmed Bahrain reseller found this run
- โ Overlaps a project tool you may already own
Bentley Systems
Tier S ยท Published pricesInfrastructure engineering software (STAAD.Pro, OpenRoads, MicroStation)
Bentley Systems makes engineering software for infrastructure: STAAD.Pro for structural analysis and design, OpenRoads Designer for road design, MicroStation for CAD, PLAXIS for geotechnical analysis and ProjectWise for project delivery. It is design and analysis software for engineers, not site management or accounting. Bentley lists regional offices in Dubai and Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, but none in Bahrain.
Bahrain-specific note
For structural, road and utility design work rather than general contracting or accounting. Bentley lists no Bahrain office; its nearest listed offices are in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai.
Pros
- + Structural, road, geotechnical and pipe design tools
- + Published prices for many products
- + Free trial offered for STAAD.Pro
- + Regional offices in Dubai and Al Khobar
Cons
- โ Engineering design software, not site or office admin
- โ Annual per-user subscriptions paid upfront
- โ No Bahrain office or confirmed local reseller
- โ Specialist tools with a learning curve for each discipline
Procore
Tier A ยท ListedConstruction management platform priced on construction volume, with unlimited users
Procore is a US-listed construction management platform covering project management, quality and safety, and financials. It charges an upfront annual fee per product based on a company's annual construction volume, with unlimited users included. Procore runs a UAE English site with a Dubai phone number; no Bahrain office or local partner was confirmed.
Bahrain-specific note
Procore's nearest listed contact is its UAE site and Dubai phone number; ask who will implement and support it before committing on a Bahrain project.
Pros
- + Unlimited users on every contract
- + Unlimited data storage included
- + Project, quality, safety and financial tools in one platform
- + UAE English site and Dubai phone line for Gulf buyers
Cons
- โ No public prices; quote based on construction volume
- โ Upfront annual fee per product
- โ No confirmed Bahrain office or local partner
- โ Not an accounting system; pair with your books
PlanRadar
Tier S ยท Published pricesSite documentation, defect and snagging app with published prices
PlanRadar, made by PlanRadar GmbH of Vienna, is an app for site documentation, defects, snagging and inspections on plans and BIM models. It publishes per-user prices and a 30-day free trial, and runs UAE English and Arabic sites. PlanRadar says it has over 200,000 users across 75+ countries; no Gulf office address is listed.
Bahrain-specific note
Easy to trial on one Bahrain project: the 30-day free trial needs no credit card, and subcontractors join free. Support comes from outside Bahrain, as no Gulf office is listed.
Pros
- + Published per-user prices and a 30-day free trial
- + Unlimited subcontractors and watchers on every plan
- + Arabic-language UAE site
- + Defects and snagging tracked on digital plans
Cons
- โ No Gulf office address listed
- โ Field and QA focus, not accounting or ERP
- โ Per-user cost grows with the team
- โ Starter and Pro plans capped at 10 users
Focus Softnet
Tier A ยท ListedGulf ERP vendor with a Manama office and a real estate and construction edition
Focus Softnet sells ERP software, led by its Focus X cloud ERP, plus a real estate and construction edition with project management, cost control and property management. It has a Bahrain company, Focus Softnet Bahrain Computer Consultants WLL, with an office in Manama, and offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. Focus Softnet says it has been in business for 30+ years across 17+ countries.
Bahrain-specific note
Focus Softnet has a Bahrain company and a Manama office (Building 1311, Road 525), so there is a local office to ask about implementation and support. Ask for a demo of the construction features you need, as the website lists only project management and cost control.
Pros
- + Registered Bahrain company with a Manama office
- + Project cost control and property management in one ERP
- + Offices across the other GCC countries
- + Wide product range (ERP, CRM, HCM, warehouse)
Cons
- โ No public prices; demo and quote only
- โ Construction page lists no BOQ or progress-billing features
- โ Broad ERP: expect an implementation project
- โ Bahrain pages make no specific Bahrain VAT claims
PACT ERP
Tier A ยท ListedERP with a construction and contracting edition and a Manama partner
PACT ERP, from PACT Software Services, is a business ERP covering finance, inventory, procurement, sales, HR and payroll, with a construction and contracting edition for project scheduling, procurement and cost control. PACT has offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah and lists Aramis Enterprise Solutions WLL in Manama as its Bahrain partner. PACT says it has 12,000+ customers worldwide.
Bahrain-specific note
Sold and supported in Bahrain through Aramis Enterprise Solutions WLL in Manama, according to PACT. Ask the partner to demo BOQ and subcontract handling, which the website does not detail.
Pros
- + Named Bahrain partner in Manama (Aramis Enterprise Solutions)
- + Project scheduling, procurement and cost control in one ERP
- + Payroll and HR in the same system
- + Offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
Cons
- โ No public prices; consultation and quote only
- โ BOQ and subcontract modules not named on its website
- โ Implementation-heavy like any ERP
- โ No Bahrain-specific VAT or e-invoicing claims
Diamond Software (Diamond ERP)
Tier A ยท ListedManama-based ERP maker with a construction edition (job costing, BOQ, progress billing)
Diamond Software is a Manama-based software company whose Diamond ERP has a construction edition with job costing by project, BOQ management, subcontractor management and progress billing. Diamond says it has served 300+ clients since 2000 and that its system handles VAT reporting for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It publishes no prices.
Bahrain-specific note
A Bahrain-based vendor with its office in Manama (Road 3001, Block 330), so there is a local office for demos and support. Diamond says its ERP is ready for Bahrain VAT and e-invoicing; ask to see the VAT return reports in a demo.
Pros
- + Office in Manama
- + Job costing, BOQ and progress billing listed
- + Subcontractor management and budget vs actual reports
- + Vendor-stated VAT reporting for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
Cons
- โ No public prices
- โ Smaller vendor than the global platforms
- โ No BIM tools listed on its construction page
- โ E-invoicing readiness is the vendor's own claim
Zoho (Books)
Tier S ยท Published pricesCloud accounting with a Bahrain edition, VAT reports and published prices
Zoho Books is cloud accounting from Zoho with a Bahrain edition that applies VAT to sales and purchases and produces VAT reports for filing, in English or Arabic. Zoho publishes Bahrain prices in USD, from a free plan for small businesses up to an Ultimate plan. It handles invoicing, bookkeeping and project time billing, not construction management.
Bahrain-specific note
Zoho runs a Bahrain edition with VAT reports and Arabic, and its Bahrain prices are lower than its US prices. Run it alongside a site or project tool rather than expecting it to manage jobs.
Pros
- + Bahrain edition with VAT reports for filing
- + Published Bahrain prices and a free plan
- + English and Arabic interface
- + Projects with time and expense billing
Cons
- โ Accounting, not construction management
- โ No construction BOQ or job-costing module listed
- โ Extra users cost $2.5-$3 a month each
- โ Free plan ends above 50K USD revenue a year
TallyPrime
Tier A ยท ListedAccounting and inventory software with a Middle East edition
TallyPrime from Tally Solutions is accounting, inventory and invoicing software, sold as Silver for a single user and Gold for multiple users on monthly, yearly or lifetime licences. Its Middle East site covers UAE and Saudi VAT and e-invoicing, but has no Bahrain VAT page. Tally says 2.7M+ businesses use its software.
Bahrain-specific note
If your accountant already uses Tally, it can stay the books system, but Tally's own site does not describe Bahrain VAT support; ask a Tally partner to show a Bahrain VAT return before buying.
Pros
- + Lifetime licence option as well as monthly and yearly plans
- + Accounting, inventory and invoicing in one package
- + Arabic-language Middle East site
- + Partner locator includes Bahrain
Cons
- โ No Bahrain VAT page on Tally's site
- โ Gulf prices not readable this run; ask a partner
- โ Accounting and inventory, not construction management
- โ Plans auto-renew until cancelled
Wafeq
Tier S ยท Published pricesArabic and English cloud accounting with published Bahraini dinar prices
Wafeq is cloud accounting software with a Bahrain site in English and Arabic and prices in Bahraini dinars. It covers invoices, quotes, purchase orders, inventory, payroll and 40+ financial reports. Wafeq says more than 18,000 companies use it; its terms are issued by Wafeq FZ-LLC under Dubai (DIFC) courts.
Bahrain-specific note
Wafeq prices its Bahrain plans in dinars and offers an Arabic interface. Its Bahrain pages do not describe Bahrain VAT returns, so ask Wafeq to show a Bahrain VAT report before switching.
Pros
- + Published prices in Bahraini dinars
- + English and Arabic Bahrain site
- + Invoicing, inventory and payroll in one app
- + 14-day free trial, no credit card
Cons
- โ No Bahrain VAT or NBR details on its Bahrain pages
- โ Accounting, not construction management
- โ Users per plan not stated on the pricing page
- โ Contract disputes go to Dubai (DIFC) courts
Contractor insurance
Contractor and engineering cover from Bahrain insurers, all quote-based: BKIC, which trades as GIG Bahrain; its Takaful subsidiary GIG Takaful (Takaful International), which lists Contractors All Risks cover; and Solidarity Bahrain, which acquired Bahrain National Insurance (bni) in 2025. BKIC and Takaful International are one group, so quotes from both are not independent.
Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company (BKIC)
Tier A ยท ListedBahrain Kuwait Insurance Company, trading as GIG Bahrain
Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company (BKIC) trades as GIG Bahrain and is part of the Gulf Insurance Group (GIG); its Takaful arm, Takaful International, describes itself as a subsidiary of GIG Bahrain. Its website has Bahrain and Kuwait sections.
Bahrain-specific note
BKIC and GIG Bahrain are the same company, and Takaful International is its subsidiary. Ask BKIC or a broker directly whether it writes Contractors All Risks or professional indemnity for your project, since its website does not list engineering cover.
Pros
- + Part of the regional Gulf Insurance Group
- + Operates in both Bahrain and Kuwait
- + Group Takaful arm offers Contractors All Risks cover
Cons
- โ No engineering or contractor product page found on its website
- โ Quote-only: no public prices for commercial cover
- โ Same group as Takaful International, so not an independent second quote
Solidarity Bahrain
Tier A ยท ListedBahrain insurer that took over Bahrain National Insurance (bni) in 2025
Solidarity Bahrain sells motor, health, life, travel and business insurance. Its group completed the acquisition of Bahrain National Insurance (bni) and Bahrain National Life (bnl) in April 2025, and Solidarity Bahrain acquired bni from its parent in October 2025 after Central Bank of Bahrain approval. Gulf Daily News reported a merger of bni and bnl in February 2026.
Bahrain-specific note
Solidarity Bahrain acquired Bahrain National Insurance (bni) in 2025, so treat bni and Solidarity as one group when collecting quotes. Ask directly whether it writes Contractors All Risks for your project, as its website does not list engineering cover.
Pros
- + Business insurance section alongside personal lines
- + Enlarged by the 2025 bni acquisition
- + Central Bank of Bahrain approved the bni deal
- + Also sells cyber cover
Cons
- โ No engineering or Contractors All Risks page found on its website
- โ Quote-only: no public prices for business cover
- โ bni integration is recent, so check which entity issues your policy
Takaful International Company (GIG Bahrain Takaful)
Tier A ยท ListedTakaful (Shari'a-compliant) insurer with Contractors All Risks and other engineering cover
Takaful International Company (GIG Bahrain Takaful), established in 1989, says it was the first Islamic insurance company in Bahrain. It is a subsidiary of GIG Bahrain (Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company) and part of the GIG group. Its engineering line covers Contractors All Risks, Erection All Risks, Machinery Breakdown and Computer All Risks.
Bahrain-specific note
Takaful International is the Takaful subsidiary of BKIC (GIG Bahrain), so a quote from both is two quotes from one group. It lists Contractors All Risks and Erection All Risks cover for contractors who want a Shari'a-compliant policy.
Pros
- + Contractors All Risks cover, extendable to third-party liability
- + Erection All Risks and Machinery Breakdown cover for plant
- + Shari'a-compliant Takaful model
- + Also offers business property, marine, liability and motor fleet cover
Cons
- โ Quote-only: no public prices for engineering cover
- โ Same group as BKIC, so not an independent second quote
- โ Product pages give short descriptions only, without policy wordings
Lead generation & project intelligence
ProTenders, operated by NuServ Ltd, sells construction project intelligence and eTendering across the six GCC states, including Bahrain. A free company profile lists your firm and lets it bid on private tenders; project leads and participant details are in custom-priced paid plans.
ProTenders
Tier A ยท ListedGCC construction intelligence and eTendering, with a free company-profile tier
ProTenders, operated by NuServ Ltd and launched in 2011 according to its about page, sells construction project intelligence and an eTendering tool to developers, consultants, contractors and suppliers in the six GCC states, including Bahrain. It says it tracks $82 billion of upcoming and ongoing construction projects in Bahrain, from design through tender and construction. A free company profile lets firms list their projects and bid on private tenders.
Bahrain-specific note
ProTenders covers Bahrain construction projects alongside the rest of the GCC. A free profile gets your firm listed and able to bid on private tenders; project leads and participant details sit in the custom-priced Construction Intelligence plan.
Pros
- + Free company profile that can bid on private tenders
- + Tracks Bahrain projects by stage, from design to construction
- + Paid plan includes project participant details and alerts
- + eTendering tool for running your own tenders
Cons
- โ Project data needs a login; intelligence and eTendering are custom-priced
- โ No published prices for the paid plans
- โ No Bahrain office; listed offices are Montreal and Abu Dhabi
Licensing & compliance
The Bahrain bodies and systems behind VAT, licensing, permits and government work: the NBR (VAT at 10%), CRPEP (licences for engineers and engineering offices), Ministry of Works contractor prequalification, the Tender Board (eTendering for the government purchases it oversees), LMRA and Bahrainisation (expatriate work permits), Benayat (building permits) and Civil Defence (fire safety approvals).
National Bureau for Revenue (NBR)
Official body / regimeBahrain's VAT authority: 10% standard rate since 1 January 2022
The National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) administers Bahrain's VAT, introduced on 1 January 2019. The standard rate rose from 5% to 10% on 1 January 2022. Registration is mandatory for resident businesses at BHD 37,500 of annual taxable revenue and voluntary from BHD 18,750, according to PwC's Worldwide Tax Summaries (reviewed July 2026).
Bahrain-specific note
Check that any accounting or invoicing tool applies Bahrain's 10% standard rate. There is no e-invoicing mandate in force yet, but PwC notes the market expects one similar to Saudi Arabia's and Gulf Daily News reported an e-invoicing push in July 2026, so choose software that can adapt.
What it covers
- + One national VAT authority (NBR)
- + Published registration thresholds: BHD 37,500 mandatory, BHD 18,750 voluntary
- + No e-invoicing mandate in force as of PwC's July 2026 review
Watch out for
- โ 10% standard rate on taxable supplies
- โ Registration is mandatory once the BHD 37,500 threshold is reached
- โ NBR carries out market inspections for VAT violations
- โ An e-invoicing system is expected but has no confirmed start date
CRPEP (Engineering Professions Regulator)
Official body / regimeLicences engineers and engineering offices in Bahrain
The Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions (CRPEP) is the government body that licenses engineers and engineering offices in Bahrain under Law No. 51 of 2014, with implementing regulations issued in 2023. Benayat requires new-building permit applications to be filed through a CRPEP-licensed engineering office.
Bahrain-specific note
If you run an engineering office in Bahrain, you need a CRPEP office licence and licensed engineers; that licence is what lets you file new-building and large-addition permits on Benayat. Owners can file small additions under 50 square metres themselves.
What it covers
- + Clear statutory basis: Law No. 51 of 2014
- + Engineer licences are processed in 3 working days online, according to the national portal
- + Published fee schedule on the Bahrain national portal
- + A CRPEP office licence lets you file new-building permits on Benayat
Watch out for
- โ Engineers and engineering offices need a CRPEP licence to practise
- โ Office licences cost BD 100-4,000 to issue, plus an application fee
- โ Offices must hold professional indemnity insurance
- โ Office licence applications take 25 working days online
Ministry of Works Contractor Prequalification
Official body / regimeMinistry of Works contractor prequalification by category and grade
Bahrain's Ministry of Works prequalifies contractors for its building, roads, sanitary and landscape works through an online prequalification system. Main categories are graded AA to F, specialised categories A to C and electrical works 1 to 3, and international contractors may apply only for the top grade. Fees are set by Decision No. 9 of 2017 and Ministerial Decision No. 13 of 2021.
Bahrain-specific note
If you want Ministry of Works building, road, sewerage or landscaping contracts, apply for prequalification in each category you work in through the Ministry's online system. Tender notices themselves are published on the Tender Board's portal.
What it covers
- + Published list of categories and grades
- + Online application, upgrade, re-evaluation and renewal forms
- + Application fee of BD 50 per prequalification application
- + Separate categories for building, roads, sanitary and landscape work
Watch out for
- โ Each category needs its own application and fee
- โ International contractors can apply only for the top grade
- โ Grade criteria are spread across several PDF documents
- โ Renewals and upgrades mean repeat applications
Bahrain Tender Board
Official body / regimeBahrain's regulator of government tenders and its eTendering system
Established in 2002 by Legislative Decree No. 36, the Tender Board describes itself as an independent regulator of government procurement in Bahrain. Its FAQ says it oversees purchases above BHD 50,000 by government purchasing authorities and above BHD 100,000 by fully government-owned companies. The Board reports 1,930 tenders awarded in 2025.
Bahrain-specific note
To bid for larger government contracts, register your company on the Tender Board's eTendering system with an active, licensed CR. The Ministry of Works also runs its own contractor prequalification by category, so check both if you target its projects.
What it covers
- + One eTendering system for tenders under its oversight
- + Published laws, FAQs and tender notices
- + Formal route to request reconsideration of tender procedures
- + International suppliers can register with their home registration
Watch out for
- โ Bidders must register on the eTendering system and be approved
- โ A CR that is active without a licence cannot be approved
- โ Each branch CR needs a separate registration
- โ Tender documents must be purchased before you can bid
LMRA & Bahrainisation
Official body / regimeBahrain's work-permit authority for expatriate staff
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) issues and renews work permits for expatriate employees in Bahrain under Resolution No. 76 of 2008, with employer fees set by Resolution No. 26 of 2008. Employers below their required Bahrainisation ratio can still obtain permits through the Parallel Bahrainisation System by paying a higher fee.
Bahrain-specific note
Budget LMRA work permit fees (BHD 195 per expatriate per year at the standard rate) into your labour costs, and check your Bahrainisation ratio: permits above it are available through the Parallel Bahrainisation System at a higher fee.
What it covers
- + One authority for expatriate work permits
- + Remote work permit renewal, processed in 1 working day according to the national portal
- + Fees published on the Bahrain national portal
- + Parallel Bahrainisation lets firms below their ratio still hire
Watch out for
- โ Work permit fee of BHD 195 a year per employee, plus an admin fee
- โ Extra fee for permits outside the Bahrainisation ratio
- โ Bahrainisation ratios limit how many expatriates you can hire at the normal fee
- โ Permits run for six months to two years, then need renewal
Benayat (Building Permits)
Official body / regimeBahrain's official online building-permit system
Benayat is the Kingdom of Bahrain's official system for issuing building permits for all types of building projects. New buildings and large additions are filed through an engineering office licensed by CRPEP, while owners can file small additions and demolitions themselves. Government entities including the General Directorate of Civil Defense give their input through the system, and Gulf Daily News reported 6,550 permits issued in 2024.
Bahrain-specific note
Build the Benayat permit into every Bahrain project programme: appoint a CRPEP-licensed engineering office, allow for pre-approvals (up to 10 working days) and the Civil Defense input, and budget the refundable insurance deposit alongside the permit fee.
What it covers
- + One online portal for applications, status and fee payment
- + Government inputs within 5 working days, according to the Benayat FAQ
- + Fees and deposit rules published in the FAQ
- + Owners can file small additions and demolitions directly
Watch out for
- โ A permit is needed before construction starts
- โ New buildings and large additions must go through a CRPEP-licensed office
- โ Refundable insurance deposit of up to BD 20,000 on top of the fee
- โ Permits are valid for one year from issue
Civil Defence (Fire Safety)
Official body / regimeFire-safety approvals from the General Directorate of Civil Defense
The General Directorate of Civil Defense (Ministry of Interior) gives input on building permits in Benayat, and its approval letter is required for a building's completion certificate. It also reviews fire-protection designs for commercial centres, tall buildings and buildings over 1,000 square metres, and licenses contractors that install and maintain fire alarms and suppression systems.
Bahrain-specific note
Plan for Civil Defense early: it gives input on the Benayat permit, larger buildings need a fire-protection design review, and you cannot get the completion certificate without its approval letter. If you install fire alarms or suppression systems, you need a Civil Defense installer licence.
What it covers
- + Civil Defense input is built into the Benayat permit process
- + Certificates can be requested and verified online through bahrain.bh
- + Fees published on the Bahrain national portal
- + Design review for large buildings is processed in 14 working days
Watch out for
- โ Completion certificates need a Civil Defense approval letter
- โ Design review fee of BD 300 for large and tall buildings
- โ Fire-system installers need their own Civil Defense licence
- โ Installer licences require licensed engineers and technicians on staff
Are you a Bahrain vendor?
If you build software or services for Bahrain construction and trades businesses and want to be reviewed or listed, get in touch through our vendor program.