Balady Platform
Synonyms: Balady Portal، Baladi، Saudi e-Municipal Services Platform
Last updated: 2026-09-25
Short Definition
Balady is Saudi Arabia’s unified electronic platform for municipal services, run by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH).
Overview
Legal Basis
Balady is a government platform run by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, renamed by Royal Order A/20 dated 13/1/1446H. Building permits, occupancy certificates and municipal licences are issued through it under the applicable municipal regulations and requirements, and the Ministry has announced the electronic issuance of occupancy certificates together with their requirements. The Off-Plan Sale and Lease of Real Estate Projects Law issued by Royal Decree M/44 dated 10/3/1445H requires a valid building permit to license a project (Article 6).
Practical Example
Khalid finishes a commercial building with three showrooms in Buraidah under a building permit issued through Balady 14 months earlier, and negotiates a lease of one showroom at SAR 120,000 a year plus 15% VAT (SAR 18,000). The tenant asks for the occupancy certificate before signing so that he can obtain his shop licence. Khalid applies through Balady, selects an accredited engineering office because the use is non-residential, and pays the fees. The office finds a sign fixed to the façade contrary to the approved plans; Khalid removes it at a cost of SAR 6,000, the certificate is then issued electronically and the lease is signed. A two-week delay to fix the violation cost far less than losing a tenant paying SAR 120,000 a year.
Common Mistakes
- ✗Starting construction or an extension before the building permit is issued through Balady — this exposes the owner to violations and can block the occupancy certificate.
- ✗Letting or selling a new building without an occupancy certificate — it undermines buyer or tenant confidence and can hold up tenants’ commercial licences.
- ✗Making changes during construction that depart from the approved plans — they surface at the engineering office’s inspection and delay the certificate.
- ✗Renting a shop before confirming that a municipal licence can be issued for the activity at that location.
- ✗Overlooking outstanding municipal fees and dues — paying them is a requirement for the occupancy certificate.
International Differences
Many countries offer similar digital municipal services. In Dubai, building permits and completion certificates are issued electronically by Dubai Municipality and, in some areas, by other authorities; in Turkey, municipalities issue the building permit (yapı ruhsatı) and occupancy permit (iskân), which is required in practice for many transactions, with many services available through the e-government portal. In Egypt, district and local units issue building permits amid a gradual shift to digital services. Balady stands out for unifying municipal services nationwide on one platform linked to accredited engineering offices.
