Latest news with #Aqari
Gulf Business
11-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Sharjah landlords, tenants alert: New way to attest lease contracts
In a major step toward digital transformation, Sharjah Municipality (SM), in collaboration with the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), has launched a new service that automatically attests lease contracts—eliminating the need for tenants to visit government offices or pay electricity deposits in advance. Read- The initiative is part of SM's broader digital integration with government entities, aiming to streamline processes and enhance customer experience, Faster processing through unified digital system Abdullah Al Shehhi, Director of the Rental Regulation Department, described the system as a 'significant improvement' that simplifies procedures and reduces the time required to attest residential, commercial, and other types of lease agreements. According to Al Shehhi, lease contracts are now automatically attested based on data already available in the municipality's database. Once the attestation is complete, the contract is sent to SEWA. Tenants then receive a text message with payment details for the electricity deposit, and utility services are activated upon payment. 'This initiative reflects our commitment to providing fast, efficient services in line with Sharjah's digital vision,' Al Shehhi said. 'The unified electronic system linking government departments has led to faster transactions and improved satisfaction among residents.' 'Aqari' platform at the core of real estate services The entire process is available via the 'Aqari' digital platform, which SM has positioned as a model for innovation in real estate services. Al Shehhi credited the achievement to strong cooperation with the Sharjah Digital Office and SEWA, as part of continued efforts to fully digitise municipal services across the emirate. Sharjah's digital initiatives are part of a broader strategy to make government services more accessible and reduce the need for in-person visits, aligning with the UAE's vision for smart governance.
Sharjah 24
10-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SM activates automatic lease contract attestation
Streamlining process Abdullah Al Shahil, Director of the Rental Regulation Department, described the move as a significant step towards simplifying procedures and reducing the time it takes for tenants to attest lease contracts of all types. He explained that the attestation is now processed automatically based on the data available within the municipality's system. Once attested, the contract is forwarded to SEWA, and the tenant receives a text message detailing the electricity deposit fees. Upon payment, the utility service is activated. Supporting digital transformation goals Al Shahil, Director of the Rental Regulation Department, emphasised that this initiative reflects the municipality's commitment to offering a streamlined and efficient service that aligns with Sharjah's broader vision for digital transformation. He highlighted the effectiveness of the unified electronic system linking government entities, which has contributed to faster transaction processing and improved customer satisfaction. Service through "Aqari" platform The new lease attestation and utility activation process can be completed through the Aqari' platform, which serves as a model for digital government services in the real estate sector. Al Shehhi noted that this achievement was made possible through sustained cooperation with the Sharjah Digital Office and SEWA as part of ongoing efforts to achieve a full digital transformation in municipal services.
Biz Bahrain
25-04-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Eskan Bank sign strategic cooperation agreement with RERA
Eskan Bank signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) to enhance transparency and reliability in the real estate sector by integrating data, exchanging information, and improving market efficiency. The agreement was signed during the 'Innovation in Social Housing Sector' Summit and Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the theme 'Towards Innovative and Sustainable Housing Solutions.' The agreement aims to link all property-related data listed on the 'Baity' platform with RERA's 'Aqari' real estate information platform. This will enable analysis of demand for different property types and provide insights into consumer behaviour. It will also facilitate comparison and verification of property data across both platforms to ensure accuracy and reliability. Abdulla Taleb, General Manager of Eskan Bank, said that the agreement with RERA represents a qualitative step in enhancing transparency and efficiency in the real estate sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He noted that the agreement would provide accurate data to support property ownership and the development of Eskan Bank's policies and plans. He added that the partnership would enable the bank to offer more effective real estate services while ensuring the highest standards of data reliability on the 'Baity' platform. He also added that the partnership aims to help develop precise performance indicators for the sector to support ownership and investment decisions for a wider range of beneficiaries. It will also establish new standards for transparency, enhancing the role of the 'Baity' platform in providing integrated housing solutions. These solutions have been presented by property developers to citizens seeking housing units that meet their needs and align with the financing conditions set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. On his part, Ebrahim Mohamed Abul, CEO of RERA, said the cooperation agreement with the 'Baity' platform, affiliated with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and Eskan Bank, represents a pivotal step in supporting the integration of government real estate data. He explained that the agreement would allow RERA to access direct and accurate data on the most in-demand housing projects and their prices, as well as information on financing options available to citizens. This will enrich the 'Aqari' platform's database and support the provision of deeper and more reliable analyses for all stakeholders in the sector, including developers, investors, individuals, and financial institutions. He added that RERA is working to make 'Aqari' a smart, interactive platform that integrates with official entities to promote transparency and provide decision-making tools based on realistic and up-to-date information, contributing positively to the sustainability and efficiency of the real estate market. BNA(R)
Gulf Insider
09-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2025 Launches April 15
Under the Patronage of H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister The 8th edition of the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2025 is set to commence on Tuesday, April 15, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister. The two-day event will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, continuing through April 16, and is expected to see broad participation from both local and international stakeholders. A Strategic Platform for Smart and Sustainable Urban Development His Excellency Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, emphasized the summit's importance as a key specialized conference hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain. 'This summit serves as a vital platform to exchange global expertise and merge it with pioneering local experiences,' he stated, highlighting Bahrain's ambition to remain at the forefront of smart city innovation. The summit will feature high-level discussions and panel sessions that aim to explore how successful global case studies in smart and sustainable cities can be adapted and implemented regionally. According to the Minister, the summit represents a leading regional platform, bringing together an international conference, an interactive tech exhibition, and an awards ceremony celebrating outstanding initiatives in urban innovation and sustainability. Strong Government Engagement and Regional Participation Nine key Bahraini government entities will participate in the summit, including: Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry of Interior Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry of Works Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning Survey and Land Registration Bureau Information & eGovernment Authority Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) This level of involvement reflects the government's commitment to accelerating digital and environmental transformation toward more intelligent and efficient urban ecosystems. The summit also draws high-profile participation from neighboring Arab and regional countries and organizations, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Djibouti, and the Arab Towns Organization. This cross- border collaboration is expected to bolster knowledge exchange in areas like smart urban planning and sustainable digital solutions. Diverse Agenda Covering Al, Smart Transport, FinTech & More The 2025 agenda includes over 20 key topics, tackling various dimensions of smart cities: Artificial Intelligence & Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity FinTech and Smart Construction Smart Mobility Heritage Conservation in Modern Urban Environments Highlighting successful regional models, the summit will showcase Oman's smart irrigation and sustainable afforestation projects, and the Bahraini real estate data integration platform 'Aqari' as a case study of digital innovation in real estate. Interactive Exhibition and 5th Edition of Smart City Awards An exhibition running alongside the summit will feature over 15 exhibitors, including government bodies, international firms, local companies, and emerging startups. The exhibition will spotlight cutting- edge smart solutions in transport, energy, urban planning, and digital governance. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with innovators and explore practical applications that represent the future of smart cities in the region. During the official opening ceremony, winners of the 5th Bahrain Smart Cities Awards will be announced. These awards honor exceptional contributions in categories such as: Artificial Intelligence and lot Waste Management FinTech Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Renewable Energy Integrated Projects Across Various Sectors Private Sector Leads Strategic Support The summit benefits from robust private sector support, emphasizing the role of public-private partnerships in urban transformation. Key strategic sponsors include: Batelco (part of Beyon Group) Tamkeen (Labour Fund) Naseej as Platinum Sponsor GPIC (Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company) as Gold Sponsor Bahrain Society of Engineers as Knowledge Partner These sponsorships underscore the summit's stature as a collaborative hub for advancing Bahrain's smart and sustainable urban vision. Also read: F1 Drivers And Team Members Arrive In Kingdom Ahead Of Bahrain GP
Daily Tribune
08-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2025 Set to Launch on April 15 with Wide Local and International Participation
TDT | Manama Under the Patronage of H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister The 8th edition of the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2025 is set to commence on Tuesday, April 15, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister. The two-day event will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, continuing through April 16, and is expected to see broad participation from both local and international stakeholders. A Strategic Platform for Smart and Sustainable Urban Development His Excellency Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, emphasized the summit's importance as a key specialized conference hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain. 'This summit serves as a vital platform to exchange global expertise and merge it with pioneering local experiences,' he stated, highlighting Bahrain's ambition to remain at the forefront of smart city innovation. The summit will feature high-level discussions and panel sessions that aim to explore how successful global case studies in smart and sustainable cities can be adapted and implemented regionally. According to the Minister, the summit represents a leading regional platform, bringing together an international conference, an interactive tech exhibition, and an awards ceremony celebrating outstanding initiatives in urban innovation and sustainability. Strong Government Engagement and Regional Participation Nine key Bahraini government entities will participate in the summit, including: Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry of Interior Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry of Works Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning Survey and Land Registration Bureau Information & eGovernment Authority Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) This level of involvement reflects the government's commitment to accelerating digital and environmental transformation toward more intelligent and efficient urban ecosystems. The summit also draws high-profile participation from neighboring Arab and regional countries and organizations, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Djibouti, and the Arab Towns Organization. This cross-border collaboration is expected to bolster knowledge exchange in areas like smart urban planning and sustainable digital solutions. Diverse Agenda Covering AI, Smart Transport, FinTech & More The 2025 agenda includes over 20 key topics, tackling various dimensions of smart cities: Artificial Intelligence & Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity FinTech and Smart Construction Smart Mobility Heritage Conservation in Modern Urban Environments Highlighting successful regional models, the summit will showcase Oman's smart irrigation and sustainable afforestation projects, and the Bahraini real estate data integration platform 'Aqari' as a case study of digital innovation in real estate. Interactive Exhibition and 5th Edition of Smart City Awards An exhibition running alongside the summit will feature over 15 exhibitors, including government bodies, international firms, local companies, and emerging startups. The exhibition will spotlight cutting-edge smart solutions in transport, energy, urban planning, and digital governance. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with innovators and explore practical applications that represent the future of smart cities in the region. During the official opening ceremony, winners of the 5th Bahrain Smart Cities Awards will be announced. These awards honor exceptional contributions in categories such as: Artificial Intelligence and IoT Waste Management FinTech Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Renewable Energy Integrated Projects Across Various Sectors Private Sector Leads Strategic Support The summit benefits from robust private sector support, emphasizing the role of public-private partnerships in urban transformation. Key strategic sponsors include: Batelco (part of Beyon Group) Tamkeen (Labour Fund) Naseej as Platinum Sponsor GPIC (Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company) as Gold Sponsor Bahrain Society of Engineers as Knowledge Partner These sponsorships underscore the summit's stature as a collaborative hub for advancing Bahrain's smart and sustainable urban vision.
