The Sharjah Finance Department (SFD) has launched the extended payment platform “Madd” for the benefit of participants in the digital payment system “Tahseel,” in collaboration with the accredited service providers, “Tahseel” and “MBME.”

The launch took place during a ceremony held on Monday, at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, in the presence of employees from the SFD and several staff members from Sharjah government entities. Attendees included representatives from Sharjah Police, the Department of Awqaf, Sajaya and Sharjah Children, the Department Of Town Planning and Survey, and the Sharjah Economic Development Department.

Development and Diversification of Digital Payment Services

Huda Al Yasi, Director of the Financial System Department at the SFD, said: “The launch of the ‘Madd’ platform is the latest digital payment option provided by the department as part of its portfolio of channels for paying government fees in the Emirate of Sharjah. This step comes as part of the department’s commitment to enhancing the experience of customers interacting with government entities and increasing their satisfaction by offering more practical, safe, and easy payment options. This enhances the diversity and robustness of the Sharjah’s digital infrastructure and contributes to advancing sustainable economic development to new heights. It also achieves sustainability by reducing costs through the optimal utilization of resources.”

She further pointed out that the new platform reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to continuously improve services provided to individuals and institutions and make them more accessible. Additionally, it extends the direct payment platform under the “Tahseel” system, which was launched in 2021.

Mutual Partnership: The Director of the Financial System Department added that the “Madd” platform aims to involve the private sector in providing payment services for the government and private entities participating in the “Tahseel” system. She emphasised that the platform’s name, “Madd” (meaning “extension”), signifies the expansion and strengthening of cooperation between the public and private sectors. It enables customers to pay for government services at the service partners’ centers or through their multiple channels, making it easier for customers, especially given the broader geographic spread of these partners. It also benefits customers without digital payment methods, ensuring the speed, ease, and security of completing government payment transactions.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement of the Platform

Ban Al Saati, General Manager of “Tahseel Information Technology,” explained: “This innovative platform is the result of a strategic partnership between the public and private sectors. The new system facilitates payment processes for both government and private services through ‘Tahseel’ system partners. At the ‘Tahseel’ digital payment team, we are committed to continuously improving and expanding this platform while keeping the needs of Sharjah’s government and its clients at the forefront of our efforts.”

High-Quality Platform: For his part, Abdelhadi Mohamed, Managing Director  of MBME Group, stated: “We are proud to be one of the largest providers of payment services in the UAE and to launch this platform, which marks a new step in supporting the aspirations and efforts of Sharjah, represented by its SFD. These efforts are constantly aimed at advancing the Emirate’s smart digital transformation by simplifying government service transactions and facilitating fee payments through high-quality, completely private, secure, and fast methods.

This aligns with our approach of supporting institutions in developing innovative, interactive payment solutions for partners, retailers, and clients, and providing self-service platforms with advanced technologies, cashback services, and financial settlement solutions.”

Sharjah Finance Department recently hosted the third Financial Forum of 2024 , with representatives from over 100 governmental and independent entities attending to discuss methodologies for pricing government services and using an electronic system guide to determine fees.

The forum drew participation from SFD directors and specialised managers working within financial departments across Sharjah’s institutions and government entities.

Arwa Al Owais, Director of the Financial Policies Office at SFD, said the department is focused on enhancing the financial performance of government agencies, aligning efforts to boost revenues and attract investment, and achieving sustainability in public financial services.

WAM