Manama : As part of ongoing government efforts to enhance the quality of public services and re-engineer procedures, 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.
Under the new service, processing time has been reduced from five working days to two, allowing beneficiaries to approve contracts online without the need for in-person attendance. The service helps save time and effort, reduces the number of required visits, and provides a reliable electronic reference accessible when needed. It is fully automated across all stages, from contract approval through to completion, eliminating paper-based transactions and supporting improved government performance.
The service comprises three main features: electronic approval of usufruct contracts without personal attendance; viewing approved contracts; and downloading documents, thereby enhancing accessibility to information and clarity of procedures.
In this regard, Amina bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, affirmed that the service is integrated with the National System for Government Document Verification, with each contract assigned a QR code enabling beneficiaries and relevant entities to instantly verify contract details through the official platform. This strengthens document credibility and facilitates ease of verification.
She added that the launch responds to public proposals submitted through various channels, with the aim of simplifying procedures, reducing time and effort, and eliminating paper-based processes, thereby providing a secure and transparent digital environment aligned with best technological practices.
The ministry 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, of which 800 have undergone 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.
