Latest news with #Aqari
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.
Gulf Today
24-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Crown Prince attends launch of the ‘Aqari' platform
Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, attended on Monday the official launch of Aqari, the emirate's integrated digital platform for real estate services. Developed by Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), the platform brings together over 20 local and federal government entities to digitise and streamline real estate procedures, reinforcing Sharjah's commitment to innovation and accelerating digital transformation. The event in Aljada commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a welcome address from Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department. He extended his appreciation to the Crown Prince of Sharjah, and the esteemed guests, expressing pride in the launch of Aqari as a landmark step in Sharjah's digital transformation journey. In his speech, he highlighted that the platform embodies Sharjah's ambitious vision for a fully digitised service ecosystem, leveraging cutting-edge technology and smart data to offer proactive, innovative, and human-centric services. The initiative aims to enhance quality of life, elevate user experiences, and strengthen the emirate's investment appeal, positioning Sharjah as a leader in digital governance and smart services. He further emphasised that Aqari was developed with a clear objective: to streamline real estate services, enhance transparency, and drive economic growth. He expressed his gratitude to the dedicated teams from both government and private sectors for their unwavering commitment to making this initiative a success. Acknowledging the collaborative efforts behind the platform, he highlighted that Aqari is a testament to partnership, dedication, and teamwork, reinforcing Sharjah's vision for a seamless and efficient digital ecosystem. Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Saud Bin Sultan Al Qasimi stated: 'This integration among various stakeholders is a cornerstone for driving comprehensive digital transformation in Sharjah. It is the foundation for realising our ambitious vision of 'human-centred digital innovation.' We are confident that 'Aqari' will be a valuable addition, fulfilling our collective aspirations.' Following the address, His Highness viewed a video presentation showcasing the project team's efforts, the platform's services, and a step-by-step user journey. The presentation demonstrated how users can seamlessly obtain digital certificates and documents without the need to visit service centres, underscoring Sharjah's commitment to enhancing efficiency and user experience through digital transformation. Additionally, His Highness was introduced to the application process through a live demonstration of the tenancy contract authentication service. Previously requiring seven steps and an in-person visit to a service centre, the process has now been streamlined into just three simple steps: (1) Logging into the platform, selecting a property, and filling in contract details. (2) Submission and approval by the relevant authority. (3) Payment of fees and automatic issuance of the digital contract through a fully automated process. Following the demonstration, His Highness honoured local, federal, and private sector entities involved in developing Aqari, presenting them with commemorative shields and posing for group photographs. He extended his best wishes for continued collaboration and success, recognising the collective efforts that brought the platform to life. The Aqari platform results from collaboration between over 200 experts from various government and private sector entities. The project has already achieved a customer satisfaction rate exceeding 90%, with 25% of target companies registering within 20 days. During its pilot phase, the platform saw over 4,700 real estate units added to the system, alongside nearly 100 training workshops conducted to ensure operational readiness. More than 240 specialised users were also trained, reinforcing the platform's continuity and effectiveness, supported by a comprehensive customer service system through the Sharjah Contact Centre. The launch ceremony was attended by Sheikh Salem Bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler's Office; Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; HE Sheikh Saud Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Integrated Real Estate Services Platform Committee and Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Finance Department; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Bin Majid Al Qasimi, Director of Department of Municipal Affairs; and Sheikh Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, CEO of the Real Estate Sector at Sharjah Asset Management and Senior officials and representatives from participating entities.
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah Crown Prince attends launch of the ‘Aqari' integrated real estate services platform
Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, attended the official launch of Aqari, the emirate's integrated digital platform for real estate services, on Monday morning. Developed by Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), the platform brings together over 20 local and federal government entities to digitise and streamline real estate procedures, reinforcing Sharjah's commitment to innovation and accelerating digital transformation. The event in Aljada commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a welcome address from HE Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department. He extended his appreciation to His Highness, the Crown Prince of Sharjah, and the esteemed guests, expressing pride in the launch of Aqari as a landmark step in Sharjah's digital transformation journey. In his speech, His Excellency highlighted that the platform embodies Sharjah's ambitious vision for a fully digitised service ecosystem, leveraging cutting-edge technology and smart data to offer proactive, innovative, and human-centric services. The initiative aims to enhance quality of life, elevate user experiences, and strengthen the emirate's investment appeal, positioning Sharjah as a leader in digital governance and smart services. He further emphasised that Aqari was developed with a clear objective: to streamline real estate services, enhance transparency, and drive economic growth. He expressed his gratitude to the dedicated teams from both government and private sectors for their unwavering commitment to making this initiative a success. Acknowledging the collaborative efforts behind the platform, he highlighted that Aqari is a testament to partnership, dedication, and teamwork, reinforcing Sharjah's vision for a seamless and efficient digital ecosystem. Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi stated: 'This integration among various stakeholders is a cornerstone for driving comprehensive digital transformation in Sharjah. It is the foundation for realising our ambitious vision of 'human-centred digital innovation.' We are confident that 'Aqari' will be a valuable addition, fulfilling our collective aspirations.' Following the address, His Highness viewed a video presentation showcasing the project team's efforts, the platform's services, and a step-by-step user journey. The presentation demonstrated how users can seamlessly obtain digital certificates and documents without the need to visit service centres, underscoring Sharjah's commitment to enhancing efficiency and user experience through digital transformation. Additionally, His Highness was introduced to the application process through a live demonstration of the tenancy contract authentication service. Previously requiring seven steps and an in-person visit to a service centre, the process has now been streamlined into just three simple steps: Logging into the platform, selecting a property, and filling in contract details. Submission and approval by the relevant authority. Payment of fees and automatic issuance of the digital contract through a fully automated process. Following the demonstration, His Highness honoured local, federal, and private sector entities involved in developing Aqari, presenting them with commemorative shields and posing for group photographs. He extended his best wishes for continued collaboration and success, recognising the collective efforts that brought the platform to life. The Aqari platform results from collaboration between over 200 experts from various government and private sector entities. The project has already achieved a customer satisfaction rate exceeding 90%, with 25% of target companies registering within 20 days. During its pilot phase, the platform saw over 4,700 real estate units added to the system, alongside nearly 100 training workshops conducted to ensure operational readiness. More than 240 specialised users were also trained, reinforcing the platform's continuity and effectiveness, supported by a comprehensive customer service system through the Sharjah Contact Centre. The launch ceremony was attended by Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler's Office; Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; HE Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Integrated Real Estate Services Platform Committee and Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Finance Department; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Bin Majid Al Qasimi, Director of Department of Municipal Affairs; and Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, CEO of the Real Estate Sector at Sharjah Asset Management and Senior officials and representatives from participating entities.
