Innovate to elevate

TDT | Manama       

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The deployment of advanced technologies in government projects has helped boost efficiency and improve governmental performance by encouraging innovative work environments and government services.

This was emphasised by the Information and eGovernment Authority Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed as he spoke at a press conference held at the iGA’s headquarters in Muharraq. Al Qaed said that this approach aligns with the visions and aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which prioritise the engagement of citizens and residents in the development process.

He reaffirmed that the iGA will continue implementing digital strategies and initiatives to achieve comprehensive digital transformation, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. The press conference presented a comprehensive overview of the 2023 eTransformation Programme.

In attendance was iGA Deputy Chief Executive, Electronic Transformation, Dr. Zakaria Ahmed Al Khaja, alongside directors and representatives of the local media. Al Qaed stated that the iGA had worked diligently throughout 2023 to advance the digital transformation of government services and enhance user experience.

He emphasised the iGA’s dedication to the directives of H.E. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT), as well as its ongoing collaboration with other government entities, which has resulted in the introduction of 66 new eServices, expanding the comprehensive suite of e-services available through government eChannels to over 680.

Notably, 16 national electronic systems achieved an 89% increase in transaction rates compared to traditional methods. Approximately 10.4 million government transactions were conducted through digital channels, leading to an 85% reduction in government’s operational costs and significant time savings.

The iGA’s achievements include project launches and digital infrastructure development, with particular progress in the automation of government services. Al Qaed emphasized that the goal remains the continuous launch of accessible electronic services targeting different segments.

Al Qaed emphasised the iGA’s commitment to national digital initiatives aimed at accelerating sustainable digital transformation, in line with the government programme (2023-2026). Furthermore, the iGA will provide support to government and private entities, ensuring their alignment with advanced technologies and solutions.

This will enable them to deliver services more efficiently, enhancing user confidence. Dr. Al Khaja highlighted the iGA’s use of advanced technologies to provide accessible digital services across platforms, in collaboration with other government entities. Through studies, procedure reengineering, consultations, and 94 national initiatives, the iGA reduced transaction times for government services by 65%.

The national portal received 19 million visits, reducing costs by 95% on the citizens and residents, with time saved estimated to stand at approximately 70%. Simplified procedures and digital channels enabled seamless transactions through the national portal and other digital channels.

Significant acceleration

In 2023, Bahrain witnessed a significant acceleration in its digital transformation journey, with the iGA successfully launching multiple initiatives and enhancing government systems and electronic channels. This involved the development and enhancement of four platforms and electronic channels.

Notably, the national portal, Bahrain.bh underwent a complete redesign with the release of the latest version. Additionally, multiple features were added to the enhanced National Suggestions and Complaints System (Tawasul) and a redesigned version of the government services directory was launched.

The iGA also introduced the national appointment system, Mawaeed, a unified platform that allows users to book appointments at government service centers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Urban Planning and Development Authority and will include more service providers in the future.