NEWS
EWA launches direct debit service for bill payments through Benefitpay
The Electricity and Water Authority( EWA), in collaboration with
BENEFIT, has announced the launch of a new bill payment service through the BenefitPay app.
The service offers customers a more streamlined and convenient way to manage and settle their EWA bills.
Customers can activate a monthly direct debit facility via the BenefitPay app by submitting a request through EWA’ s approved channels. Once approved, a notification is issued through the app, allowing customers to select the preferred bank account for monthly bill deductions, delivering a secure and seamless payment experience in line with the highest standards of quality and reliability.
EWA provides multiple channels for submitting requests, including Customer Service Centres, electronic services via its online platform, the Virtual Centre, the home-visit service and its 24 / 7 Call Centre.
Kawther Al Mosawi, Director of Collection and Billing at the Electricity and Water Authority, highlighted the authority’ s commitment to enhancing customer experience through innovative digital solutions that simplify procedures and improve bill management efficiency.
Shafaq Alkooheji, Assistant General Manager of Payment Services at BENEFIT, said:“ The partnership with Electricity and Water Authority reflects BENEFIT’ s focus on advancing secure, reliable digital financial solutions and delivering a secure, reliable payment experience that meets the highest standards. Such initiatives further contribute to enhancing the Kingdom of Bahrain’ s position as a regional leader in digital innovation.”
EWA continues to offer services that help customers manage bills more effectively, including fixed monthly deductions and initiatives promoting energy efficiency and sustainable consumption.
MoHESR drives R & D of prototype AI agents to elevate higher education in the UAE supported by Microsoft
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
( MoHESR) has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to research and develop prototype AI agents designed to enhance higher education delivery in the UAE.
The initiative will leverage Microsoft Azure and cloud AI capabilities to explore how Agentic AI can support learning, teaching and research outcomes across the higher education ecosystem.
His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said:“ The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is committed to strengthening the UAE’ s position as a leading global hub for innovation and advanced research, in support of a sustainable, resilient and future-ready nation. Partnerships, such as this collaboration with Microsoft, reflect this commitment by deepening engagement across the higher education and scientific research ecosystem and ensuring that research and innovation outcomes are closely aligned with national priorities.”
The work will focus on four prototype AI agents addressing lifelong learning and skills progression, faculty enablement and course co-creation, personalised student learning and research mission alignment with national objectives.
As part of the collaboration, MoHESR and Microsoft will also explore further opportunities in data analytics, Machine Learning and AI.
Amr Kamel, General Manager, Microsoft UAE, said:“ Agentic AI represents a transformative opportunity for the public sector, especially in education, by enabling dynamic, personalised learning experiences and driving operational efficiencies.” •
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