Manama: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has announced the launch of an electronic usufruct contract service, enabling eligible citizens to complete contract approvals digitally with greater speed and efficiency as part of ongoing government efforts to enhance the quality of public services and re-engineer procedures.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the new service reduces processing time from five working days to two, allowing beneficiaries to approve contracts online without needing to attend in person. This development helps save time and effort, reduces the number of required visits, and provides a reliable electronic reference accessible when needed. The service is fully automated across all stages, from contract approval through to completion, eliminating paper-based transactions and supporting improved government performance.
The service includes three main features: electronic approval of usufruct contracts without personal attendance; viewing approved contracts; and downloading documents, enhancing accessibility to information and clarity of procedures. Amina bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, stated that the service is integrated with the National System for Government Document Verification. Each contract is assigned a QR code, enabling beneficiaries and relevant entities to verify contract details instantly through the official platform, thereby strengthening document credibility and facilitating ease of verification.
Al Rumaihi added that the launch responds to public proposals submitted through various channels, aiming to simplify procedures, reduce time and effort, and eliminate paper-based processes, providing a secure and transparent digital environment aligned with best technological practices. The ministry also noted that, as part of continuous government efforts to develop and re-engineer services, more than 1,300 government services have been documented, translated, and published, with 800 undergoing development and re-engineering across various sectors. These improvements were informed by feedback and proposals received through the national suggestions and complaints system "Tawasul", investor feedback, and mystery shopper reports evaluating government services. Guidance manuals and service level agreements have also been introduced, contributing to enhanced efficiency, improved service quality, a better user experience, and advancing the government's digital transformation agenda.