Lebanon has launched the 'Dawlati' platform as the unified national gateway for government services. This initiative aims to streamline access for citizens and businesses to public services and official information through a single digital platform. Developed by the Ministry of State for Administrative Development Affairs, the platform seeks to modernize public administration, simplify procedures, and expand digital services.
Dawlati allows users to search for government services, identify responsible entities, required documents, and procedural steps. It also offers the ability to submit some requests electronically and track them via a personal account. As part of the digital transformation in Lebanese public administrations, the platform is progressively adding more digital services.
What is Lebanon's 'Dawlati' Platform?
The 'Dawlati' platform is Lebanon's official unified government services site for both citizens and businesses.
Instead of navigating multiple ministry websites to complete a transaction, the platform provides a single access point to help users find services, understand requirements, and locate the responsible government agency.
The platform also features a directory for governmental sites, contact numbers, and related information for various public administrations and institutions.
How to Use the Dawlati Platform?
Using 'Dawlati' is straightforward, starting with accessing the official website and searching for the desired service.
1. Accessing Dawlati
The official site can be accessed at:
The homepage presents options to browse government services, log in, and apply for digital services.
2. Searching for Government Services
Once on the platform, use the service directory to find the required transaction.
The directory categorizes services into electronic services, general administration services, public institutions, and municipalities, assisting users in finding the service or entity they seek.
3. Reviewing Transaction Requirements
Upon selecting a service, users can view related information, such as required documents, forms, instructions, and important notes.
This step helps citizens prepare their paperwork before starting a transaction, reducing the likelihood of missing documents or resubmissions.
4. Logging in or Creating an Account
For services requiring electronic submission, users can access the Citizen Portal by creating an account or logging into an existing one.
The Dawlati portal allows users to submit, manage, and track requests from one place.
5. Submitting Requests Electronically
If the service is available digitally, users can initiate the request through the platform and follow the specific service instructions.
Some transactions may require personal data entry or document uploads, depending on the service's nature.
6. Tracking Request Status
One of the platform's key features is the ability to track requests via a personal dashboard, receiving updates and notifications related to the request's status.
Which Government Services are Available on Dawlati?
The platform is gradually expanding its list of digital services, currently including those linked with various ministries and public institutions.
Among the services listed in the official directory are:
- Services related to the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Services related to the Ministry of Tourism.
- Services by the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL).
- Services by the Council of the South.
- Special certificates for tourist institutions.
- Import requests for agricultural products.
- Certificates for factories and food products.
The platform indicates ongoing efforts to add more official forms and required documents to the service directory.
Are All Government Transactions Completeable Online?
No, not all transactions can be completed online yet.
This is a critical point when using the Dawlati platform. While it offers extensive information and a comprehensive guide to government services, the level of digitization varies by service.
According to the official platform, a large portion of government services still require traditional methods, with Dawlati progressively working to digitize more services.
Users should read the details of each service to determine if the request can be fully submitted online or if there is a step requiring in-person confirmation at the relevant administration.
Does Dawlati Offer Electronic Payment?
The platform supports the digital services trend towards electronic payment for fee-based services where this option is available.
Dawlati outlines its goal of providing an e-payment portal alongside submitting and tracking requests online.
However, the availability of electronic payment varies by service, so it's crucial to verify transaction details before starting.
Can Companies Use the Dawlati Platform?
Yes, the Dawlati platform is not only for individuals but also targets companies and institutions.
It offers a portal for citizens and companies to log in, apply for services, and manage requests.
This makes it an essential tool for business owners dealing with various ministries and public institutions.
Government Ministries and Institutions Directory
Apart from electronic services, Dawlati provides a directory for institutions, ministries, and governmental departments.
The directory includes links to numerous official bodies, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Economy and Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, among others.
This allows users to access the official website of the necessary government agency from one location.
Does Dawlati Include Municipalities?
The platform is not limited to central ministries and administrations, as the Dawlati directory also includes a number of Lebanese municipalities, with direct links to their websites where available.
The directory shows several municipalities from different regions of Lebanon, with ongoing efforts to expand it further.
Difference Between Service Guide and Electronic Services?
It’s important to differentiate between the two sections.
The government services guide helps users learn about the service, responsible authority, required documents, and procedures.
Meanwhile, when an electronic service is activated digitally, it allows users to perform transaction steps online, such as submitting a request, monitoring it, and processing some payment steps.
Therefore, the appearance of a transaction in the Dawlati guide does not necessarily mean all its steps have become digital.
Important Tips When Using the Dawlati Platform
For the best experience using the platform, adhere to these steps:
- Use the official Dawlati website only.
- Read the service requirements thoroughly before submitting any request.
- Prepare necessary documents in advance.
- Ensure data accuracy when inputting information.
- Keep the request number or any acknowledgment received.
- Check your account for updates on the transaction.
- Confirm fees and payment methods specific to the service.
- If the transaction requires physical attendance, verify the administration location and working hours before visiting.
Is Dawlati Safe?
Dawlati is an official government platform launched by the Ministry of State for Administrative Development Affairs as part of a project to upgrade public administration and enhance digital services.
However, always ensure you are using the official domain dawlati.gov.lb when logging in or entering personal data, and avoid relying on unknown links circulated on social media.
The Future of Digital Government Services in Lebanon
The Dawlati platform marks a significant step in Lebanon's governmental digital transformation. However, the project is still in a phase of expansion.
The platform indicates that over 2700 government services are listed in the governmental landscape, yet a substantial portion of services still follow traditional methods. Dawlati is actively working to gradually transition more of these services into the digital realm.
The expansion of electronic services is expected to reduce reliance on paper transactions, simplify request follow-ups, and improve the user experience for citizens and businesses in dealing with public administrations.
Conclusion
The 'Dawlati' platform serves as Lebanon's unified national gateway for government services, providing a single access point for finding services and understanding their requirements and responsible entities.
It also allows users, where services are electronically enabled, to submit and track requests online, with a gradual shift towards expanding e-payment and digital services.
Thus, if you are looking for a way to determine how to complete a government transaction in Lebanon, what documents are required, and where to submit them, Dawlati serves as the appropriate starting point before approaching any governmental administration.
See Also
Electronic Government Services in Lebanon: Essential Apps and Platforms You Need