Bahrain generated BD500 million in revenue through online transactions last year, an increase of 116 per cent compared with 2020.
A total of 57 new government services were also migrated to various online channels, with 91pc of the community opting for eServices as opposed to traditional methods.
Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) chief executive Mohammed Al Qaed revealed that almost four million financial transactions were carried out through the national portal (Bahrain.bh) in 2021 – which doubled the collected revenue.
The 2021 digital transformation achievements
He was speaking at a Press conference to highlight Bahrain’s 2021 Digital Transformation Achievements, at the iGA headquarters in Muharraq yesterday. iGA electronic transformation deputy CEO Dr Zakareya Al Khaja was present.
“iGA is committed to achieving the leadership’s vision and implementing the directives of the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology (SCICT) to accelerate the launch of digital strategies and technical initiatives,” said Mr Al Qaed.
“In line with the kingdom’s digital transformation strategy and deployment of Artificial Intelligence, iGA witnessed positive achievements in eight government sectors, including transportation and telecommunications, real estate and housing, sport and youth affairs as well as traffic and others.
“We will continue the deployment of advanced technologies and systems to provide convenient eServices via smart channels and devices.
Government supporting projects and systems in 2021
“Last year, 91pc of users opted for eServices rather than traditional methods.”
Meanwhile, Dr Al Khaja said statistics and indicators gathered have revealed that 2021 was an ‘exceptional year’ for digital transformation.
“Revenues from online transactions surged to BD498,896,757 – for the first time – representing a 116pc increase compared with BD231,253,335 in 2020,” he said.
“Number of transactions also increased from 2,247,789 in 2020 to 3,714,642 in 2021.
“There were more than 15 million visits to the National Portal – a 37pc increase from 2020 – and until the end of 2021, more than 563 eServices were provided via online channels.
Bahrain’s Digital Transformation Achievements for 2021
“A total of 434 services are being offered through the National Portal (Bahrain.bh), 19 through self-service kiosks, and 110 via smartphone apps.
“Last year, 57 new eServices for eight sectors were launched, in collaboration with relevant government entities, in addition to the development of eight systems.”
Dr Al Khaja also noted that there was an 86pc reduction in government operational expenses as a result of restructured procedures, which led to a 77pc decrease in time needed to complete transactions. He also said that this helped safeguard public health during the pandemic as there was almost no need to visit service centres.
Government entities that excelled in the digital transformation in 2021
“The Interior Ministry launched the lion’s share of new eServices with 38 in total – including 18 for the General Traffic Directorate, six for iGA, five for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), four each for the Civil Defence and the Guards Training School and one for Customs Affairs,” added Dr Al Khaja.
“There were six new eServices for the Housing Ministry, one for the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, five for the Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry, four for the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry, and one for the Supreme Council for Environment, in addition to two judicial services.
“More than BD54m was collected in revenue – a 98pc increase – due to newly launched smart devices apps,” he added.
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