Rethinking Bahrain's digital permit governance: A GenAI-enabled framework

This study examines Bahrain’s BENAYAT building permit portal to explore how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) could enhance governance, coordination, and project leadership in public-sector digital services. Using a mixed-methods exploratory case study, the study draws on 46 user surveys and five expert interviews, which is appropriate for exploratory inquiry, to identify recurring challenges: repetitive resubmissions, approval delays, fragmented inter-agency coordination, and limited user guidance. In response, the study proposes a GenAI-enabled governance framework that integrates intelligent validation, AI-supported communication, and blockchain-based transparency. The findings suggest that observed inefficiencies are driven primarily by governance and coordination gaps rather than purely technical limitations. The proposed framework offers an exploratory, analytically grounded model for AI-enabled governance in small-state contexts and contributes to research on digital government and adaptive leadership aligned with Bahrain’s Vision 2030. • GenAI framework supports improvements in digital permit governance. • AI and blockchain can enhance transparency and procedural consistency. • Digital permitting requires adaptive, user-centered governance. • Users report gaps in guidance and communication. • The framework supports adaptive project leadership.