Manama: As part of ongoing government efforts to improve service quality and re-engineer procedures, the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA) developed the private sector master plan approval service, which covers large-scale, mixed-use urban development projects undertaken by the private sector. The authority studies such projects in coordination with relevant entities ahead of approving their master plans and detailed schedules.
According to Bahrain News Agency, under the enhanced service, the completion period has been reduced from 109 days to 43 days, while the number of service steps and required documents has also been reduced, contributing to simplified procedures and an improved customer experience. The service development also included reducing the application process to only four steps, minimising the number of required documents, shortening the service-level agreement period, improving the user interface and beneficiary experience, and simplifying procedures.
The improvements further included eliminating the requirement to submit any documents issued by the service-providing entity, in addition to enhancing the systems in use and converting application forms into electronic forms. Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayyat, CEO of UPDA, said that the service development reflects the authority's adoption of innovative digital solutions that enhance procedural efficiency and accelerate transaction completion, contributing to improving the efficiency and quality of services provided in line with digital transformation goals.
He added that the service enhancement reflects the authority's commitment to advancing its services in a way that reduces time and effort for institutions and improves the effectiveness of the overall work system. As part of ongoing government efforts to develop and re-engineer government services, more than 1,300 government services have been documented, translated, and published, with around 800 services undergoing development and re-engineering across various government sectors.
This is based on proposals and feedback received regarding government services through the National System for Suggestions and Complaints "Tawasul," investor feedback, and secret shopper reports evaluating government services, as well as the launch of guidance manuals and service level agreements. These efforts contribute to improving procedural efficiency, enhancing service quality, strengthening beneficiary experience, and supporting the government's digital transformation journey.