AI to transform Abu Dhabi building permits process
AI platform transforms Abu Dhabi's construction approval system
#UAE #digitaltransformation - Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport has launched Binaa, the region's first AI-powered digital platform for building permit processes, reducing approval times by up to 70%. The system was unveiled together with a multi-party cooperation agreement between the department and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, state-owned utility company TAQA, and UAE telecommunications provider e&. The platform targets 20,000 annual private villa applications in its initial phase, whilst enabling over 15 government entities to access unified project documentation and streamline construction approvals.
SO WHAT? - The new building permit platform is indicative of Abu Dhabi government strategy to leverage AI across all departments and authorities to improve processes and enhance competitiveness. Abu Dhabi recently announced a AED 13 billion ($3.54b) digital strategy, aiming to fully integrate AI into all government digital services by 2027. Most government departments are well prepared for this, with existing digitisation in an advanced stage. By integrating BIM (Building Information Modelling) with AI, the new Binaa platform could provide a best practice case study for municipalities around the world.
Here are some key details about the new platform:
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport has launched Binaa, the region's first AI-powered building permit platform, reducing approval times by up to 70%. The announcement was made at the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit.
The platform will sync processes with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, state-owned utility company TAQA, and UAE telecommunications provider e&.
Over 15 government entities will be able to access unified project blueprints and documentation through the digital platform
Binaa will be rolled out in phases to allow architects, contractors, and developers ample time to adjust to its features and requirements.
Phase 1 of the platform rollout focuses on private villa applications, and will handle approximately 20,000 annual submissions. It will also provide all stakeholders, including individual villa owners, their consultants, and contractors with the ability to monitor the project’s progress via the system.
Binaa integrates Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, introduced in 2024, with virtual and augmented reality for enhanced inspection capabilities. The platform also identifies over-designs and unnecessary construction complexity, helping to reduce costs and environmental impact whilst maintaining structural safety standards.
Advanced AI review tools analyse 2D building models for regulatory compliance, with gradual integration alongside existing manual review processes.
The system enables real-time project monitoring from design to completion for architects, contractors, developers, and individual villa owners.
Virtual interfaces allow remote site exploration and area tagging, whilst augmented reality overlays 3D design data onto physical structures during inspections
ZOOM OUT - The Binaa platform is representative of the kind of technology rollouts we can expect from Abu Dhabi’s Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, approved by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council in January. The strategy aims to make the emirate the first government globally to fully integrate AI into all digital services by 2027. The comprehensive strategy will digitise 100% of government processes, implement over 200 AI solutions across services, and contribute AED 24 billion to GDP whilst creating 5,000 jobs.
Read more about digital transformation in Abu Dhabi:
Abu Dhabi to create AI-powered energy command centre (Middle East AI News)
Abu Dhabi in sovereign cloud deal with Microsoft, G42 (Middle East AI News)
Abu Dhabi, Microsoft partner on Population Health (Middle East AI News)
Abu Dhabi to invest in $3.54 billion digital strategy (Middle East AI News)
Abu Dhabi forms AI and Advanced Technology Council (Middle East AI News)