E-services transactions surge 257% to $530mln in Bahrain

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MANAMA: Government revenues from e-services saw a nearly four-fold (257 per cent) jump during the first half this year to exceed BD200 million when compared with the same period last year, suggesting increasing adoption of online access.

Announcing the results in its H1-2021 report, the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) yesterday said this reflects the role that e-services play in matching the demands of individuals, government entities, and business owners, particularly during the pandemic, and their steady progress towards achieving the kingdom’s digital transformation aspirations.

The number of financial transactions carried out through different electronic channels in H1-2021 exceeded 1.6 million, double the number recorded during the same period last year, indicating a high level of trust in the quality of services provided.

Advanced technologies deployed in carrying out these tasks have contributed to enhancing the quality of government performance.

iGA acting chief executive Dr Zakareya Al Khajah said digital transformation and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) initiatives across all services offered by the government are given the highest priority by the leadership, noting the guidance of the Supreme Committee for ICT chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa.

He also highlighted the support of Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa to develop and continue offering e-services to the public despite the circumstances imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Praising other government entities for co-operation, which resulted in accelerating plans, Dr Al Khajah said the iGA is continuing its efforts towards the complete digitisation of government offerings, creating more transparency, and offering the highest quality of online services.

He also thanked the ICT team members at various public and private organisations for their “high degree of professionalism and adaptability to new technologies”.

The report revealed other significant results during H1 2021, including that more than 1.1m financial transactions were carried out via the National Portal, bahrain.bh, an increase of 76pc compared with the same period of last year.

The amount generated through the e-services portal was approximately BD188m, more than double the amount in H1-2020.

The top e-payment services used via the portal were: Electricity Deposit Payment Service; Covid-19 Test Fees; Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry - Unified Payment; Private Notary; and Passport Renewals.

The most used services included Employment Application for the Civil Service Bureau, Issuing Copies of Student Certificates and Student Exam Results.

The report also showed an increase in transactions carried out via smart device apps, which exceeded 390,000, a 92pc jump compared with H1-2020.

The amount generated from these apps was over BD20m, a 145pc increase year-on-year.

BeAware Bahrain was the most frequently used app, highlighting its importance in providing information to users during the pandemic, including the latest updates regarding precautions to be taken in public, as well as its usefulness in conducting transactions such as Covid-19 PCR test fee payments.

Also among the most used apps was Sehati, which offers a service for booking appointments at health centres; Islamiyat, due to its popular Fa’el Khair donation collection service; and the National Suggestions and Complaints App, Tawasul.

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