Comprehensive Report on Etimad Platform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Executive Summary

Etimad Platform is a comprehensive and pivotal electronic gateway affiliated with the Ministry of Finance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, forming a fundamental pillar in the government's digital transformation efforts. The platform aims to digitize and streamline financial and administrative procedures between government entities, the private sector, and individuals, thereby enhancing efficiency and transparency in all official dealings.

Etimad Platform plays a vital role in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. This role is not limited to merely improving operations but extends to enhancing transparency in government tenders, raising the efficiency of public spending, increasing the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and supporting local content in the comprehensive economic development process. This strategic alignment with the national vision underscores the platform's indispensable position for any entity seeking to deal with the Saudi government and indicates its long-term stability and continuous development.

The platform offers a wide range of services that comprehensively cover the government procurement and contract lifecycle. These services include budget management for government entities, management of government tenders and procurements from issuing tender documents to awarding, in addition to contract and assignment management, and payment and financial rights management, including private sector claims and government employee payrolls. Furthermore, the platform provides advanced services such as a developer portal that enables technical integration via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Etimad Auction, Etimad Marketplace, and electronic bank guarantee services. This expansion of services indicates that the platform is not merely a tool for automating existing processes but a catalyst for broader digital transformation, driving towards building an integrated, data-driven, interconnected, and intelligent government ecosystem. This approach requires all relevant parties, whether companies or individuals, to enhance their digital skills and adaptability to continuous technological developments.

Introduction to Etimad Platform

What is Etimad Platform: Definition, Responsible Authority, Strategic Objectives

Etimad Platform is an integrated and comprehensive electronic platform, serving as the official gateway for the Ministry of Finance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide its automated services to all beneficiaries. The platform is designed to include a set of interconnected portals that manage vital aspects of government operations, including budget management, tenders and procurements, payments, financial rights, and contract and assignment management.

The National Center for Government Resource Systems (NCGR) oversees the development and operation of Etimad Platform. This oversight ensures the continuous updating and development of the platform in accordance with best practices and government standards, enhancing its reliability and effectiveness.

The platform aims to achieve several pivotal strategic objectives that align closely with Saudi Vision 2030. Among the most prominent of these objectives are: increasing transparency in government tenders, enhancing the role of local content in economic development, increasing the participation of small and medium enterprises, raising the efficiency of spending for government entities, standardizing and facilitating procedures, and speeding up and simplifying financial transactions. The repeated description of Etimad as a "comprehensive electronic platform" that works to "standardize and facilitate procedures" indicates a clear government strategy to centralize and unify financial and procurement operations. This step aims to eliminate fragmentation, enhance oversight, and establish a single, reliable channel for government transactions. For users, this means a smoother and more predictable experience, reducing the complexities associated with dealing with multiple government entities through disparate systems. It also emphasizes the utmost importance of adhering to Etimad's procedures, as it is the unified and mandatory platform.

Beneficiary Categories: Government Entities, Private Sector, Individuals

Etimad Platform serves three main categories of beneficiaries, each with services tailored to meet their specific needs:

• Government Entities: These entities benefit from the platform to facilitate operational procedures and verify financial transactions. Services available to them include budget management (such as budget notification, viewing, transfers, and enhancements), tendering, contract management, and submitting requests for disbursement orders and payments for employee compensation.

• Private Sector: The platform serves as a unified destination for the private sector to access government tenders and procurements. The platform aims to increase the contribution of local content and small and medium enterprises to economic development. Services available to them include viewing tenders, purchasing tender documents, submitting bids, tracking financial claims, and reviewing contracts. The explicit goals of "increasing the participation of small and medium enterprises" and "enhancing local content" reveal that Etimad goes beyond being merely an administrative tool; it is a strategic tool for economic development. By facilitating access for businesses, especially SMEs, to government projects, the platform actively contributes to boosting local economic activity, making it a significant growth opportunity rather than just a compliance requirement.

• Individuals: The platform enables individuals, especially government employees, to efficiently manage human resource-related transactions, such as self-inquiry about financial rights (payroll statements). It also allows freelancers to participate in government tenders and procurements and track financial claims with ease.

Key Services of Etimad Platform

Etimad Platform offers a wide range of services that comprehensively cover the financial transactions and government procurement lifecycle, ensuring transparency and efficiency for all parties.

Budget Management (for Government Entities)

The platform provides integrated electronic services for preparing and executing the annual budget between government entities and the Ministry of Finance. These services include preparing the budget for revenues, positions, and expenditures, as well as making transfers between items, enhancing items, and inquiring about budget items for general expenses and projects. This centralized financial system ensures precise control over government spending and enhances accountability.

Government Tenders and Procurement Management

This service is crucial for the private sector, providing a unified destination for all government tenders. The platform enables the private sector to view tenders, receive invitations, purchase tender documents, and submit bids electronically. The complete tender cycle on the platform includes: issuing tender documents by government entities, purchasing tender documents by suppliers, submitting bids, bid evaluation, technical evaluation, and electronic awarding.

Types of tenders announced through the platform include: public tenders, limited tenders, electronic practices, framework agreements, pre-qualification, and direct invitations. To ensure transparency and fairness, suppliers can submit grievance requests regarding tender results and awarding.

Contract and Assignment Management

This service allows for the electronic registration of contracts and assignments, ensuring their official and quick documentation. The process includes obtaining necessary approvals from government entities and the Ministry of Finance, in addition to approving and reviewing contracts by suppliers. This digital transformation in contract management reduces paperwork and accelerates the entire contract lifecycle.

Payment and Financial Rights Management

This service facilitates the process for the private sector to submit their financial claims related to projects and contracts with government entities. Claims are tracked through electronic disbursement and payment orders to ensure efficient receipt of dues. It also enables government entities to submit electronic requests for disbursement and payment orders for employee compensation (payroll statements).

Additional Services

• Developer Portal: Allows developers and technology companies to link their systems with national system data on Etimad Platform via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), contributing to increased business efficiency and the innovation of new solutions. This approach positions Etimad as an open platform that encourages innovation and technological collaboration.

• Etimad Auction (E-Auction): A new service that provides additional opportunities to participate in government auctions electronically.

• Etimad Marketplace: A service designed to enhance partnerships between different entities, contributing to the achievement of common goals.

• Bank Guarantee: An integrated service for issuing bank guarantees (preliminary and final) electronically, where the guarantee is automatically linked directly to the government tender after being issued by the bank.

• Reports and Indicators: A product launched by the National Center for Government Resource Systems aimed at providing data and analytics to support decision-making and improve performance. The focus on "Reports and Indicators" and the ability to "measure service levels" to "increase service efficiency" indicates a strong shift towards data-driven governance. By digitizing these processes, Etimad Platform collects vast amounts of data that can be analyzed to gain insights into spending patterns, procurement effectiveness, and overall government performance. This means that government entities will increasingly rely on Etimad data for strategic planning, resource allocation, and identifying areas for improvement.

• Self-Inquiry for Financial Rights: A service dedicated to individuals (especially government sector employees) to review their income details and payroll statements.

The comprehensive suite of services, from budget management to tenders, contracts, and payments, illustrates that Etimad Platform is designed to manage the entire financial and procurement lifecycle digitally. This is not merely a collection of separate tools but an integrated system that ensures continuity and consistency across all stages of government-private sector interactions. This integrated approach significantly reduces manual errors, accelerates processing times, and provides comprehensive and immediate visibility into government spending and private sector participation, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

Prominent Etimad Services for the Private Sector

Account Registration and Activation on Etimad Platform

The process of registering and activating an account on Etimad Platform is an essential step to access the various services it offers, and the requirements and procedures vary depending on the beneficiary category.

General Registration Steps

Registration begins by accessing the Government Procurement Electronic Portal (monafasat.etimad.sa) or the official Etimad Platform website (portal.etimad.sa). From the platform's homepage, select the "New User" option. Then, enter the required information in the registration form, which typically includes full name, email address, mobile number, and password. It is crucial to ensure a strong and accurate password.

After filling in the data, you will receive a confirmation message to your registered email, containing a link that must be clicked to confirm the account creation process. After the initial confirmation, you must complete the registration process by filling in the necessary legal document data. For companies and establishments, the process requires printing the "Authorization" form on official company or establishment letterhead, then authenticating it by the Chamber of Commerce, and sending an electronic copy of the authorization through the portal for the account to be fully activated.

Differences Between Individual, Company, and Government Entity Accounts

Etimad Platform offers tailored registration paths and services for each beneficiary category, reflecting the platform's comprehensiveness:

• Individual Accounts: These accounts target government employees and freelancers. Registration is often done through the National Unified Access (Absher) using the national ID number, then entering and confirming the mobile number and email address. These accounts enable government employees to manage human resource-related transactions and self-inquire about financial rights (payroll statements). They also allow freelancers to participate in government tenders and procurements and track financial claims.

• Company Accounts (Private Sector): These accounts are designated for local and foreign establishments and companies wishing to deal with the government. Basic requirements include the company being legally registered with a valid commercial registration. It is preferable for the applicant to have prior experience in the same field, and the company must be able to provide the required financial guarantees. Required documents typically include a copy of the commercial registration, experience certificates, financial guarantees (if required by the tender), and other legal documents such as national IDs for company representatives, tax information, and Zakat certificates. Available services include access to government tenders, purchasing tender documents, submitting bids, contract management, and submitting and tracking financial claims.

• Government Entity Accounts: These accounts target ministries, authorities, and government institutions. Services available to them include budget management, tendering, contract management, and employee rights management. Using these services requires specific permissions for employees within the government entity, such as data entry personnel or procurement specialists.

The provision of different registration paths, particularly the "supplier without a commercial registration" option, alongside the general requirement for a commercial registration for companies, indicates a deliberate strategy by Etimad Platform to be an inclusive platform. This approach acknowledges the diversity of business structures and aims to lower barriers to entry for a wider range of participants, including freelancers, very small businesses in certain categories, and international investors. This reflects a nuanced regulatory framework that balances strict compliance with the need to foster broader economic participation.

Possibility of Opening an Account Without a Commercial Registration or Investment License

For foreign establishments or those that do not have a commercial registration or professional license, an account can be created on Etimad Platform by accessing the platform's website and selecting the "Supplier without Commercial Registration" icon and filling in the displayed data. After creating the account, login can be done via the "Business" option.

Regarding freelancers, the platform indicates that its services enable "freelancers to participate in government tenders and procurements." This may suggest a simplified registration path for certain activities that may not require a full commercial registration, or that they fall under the "Individuals" category, allowing them to participate in specific types of tenders.

Generally, Etimad Platform requires an active commercial registration to bid on government tenders. However, the existence of the "supplier without a commercial registration" option reflects the platform's flexibility in accommodating different categories of suppliers.

In a related context, the Saudi commercial registration now accepts virtual addresses. This development means that companies registered with a commercial registration bearing a virtual address will likely be accepted on Etimad Platform, providing additional flexibility for businesses, especially those relying on remote work models or startups.

Despite the diversity of account types and flexibility, the continuous emphasis on "email confirmation," "submission of legal documents," "commercial registration verification," and "data accuracy verification" indicates a strong focus on identity verification and compliance. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of government procurement operations and ensuring that only legitimate and qualified entities participate. Users must prioritize providing accurate, complete, and verifiable information during registration and throughout their dealings with the platform, as any discrepancies or non-compliance can lead to delays, account suspension, or exclusion from opportunities.

Comparison of Etimad Account Types

Financial Aspects of Etimad Platform

Etimad Platform facilitates many financial aspects of government transactions, from fee payment to receipt of dues and management of bank guarantees, through integrated electronic mechanisms.

Annual Fee Payment Method

Payment of subscription fees and financial consideration for various services on Etimad Platform is primarily done through the "SADAD" government service, which is the approved method for electronic payments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The payment steps involve logging into Etimad Platform, then accessing the "Subscription Management" service or the "My Account" section, then "Invoices." After that, the user can view the list of invoices for subscribed products or services, allowing them to pay the required subscription amount through the SADAD payment service. The financial consideration for the subscription must be paid, and agreement to the terms and conditions must be confirmed before completing the process. After confirming acceptance, the SADAD payment number will appear for payment at Saudi banks.

How to Receive Dues

• For the Private Sector: The platform enables the private sector to submit their financial claims for projects and contracts with government entities. The process of receiving dues occurs through an electronic cycle that begins with the issuance of disbursement orders and payment orders by the relevant government entities. Subsequently, financial dues are electronically transferred to the private sector's bank accounts. The process also includes confirmation of receipt of products or services by the government entity after matching, for an invoice to be issued and the supplier notified. To ensure receipt of dues, suppliers must ensure their International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is correctly added to the system, which is done through government entities after searching for the supplier and attaching a bank introduction letter.

• For Individuals (Government Sector Employees): Government sector employees can use the "Self-Inquiry for Financial Rights" service via the "Etimad Individuals" application to view their income details and payroll statements received from government entities.

The detailed processes for paying fees via SADAD and receiving payments, in addition to the electronic issuance of bank guarantees, demonstrate a highly automated and integrated financial workflow. This indicates a significant reduction in manual paperwork, acceleration in processing times, and a decrease in bureaucratic hurdles that traditionally characterized government financial transactions. For businesses, this translates into faster processing of financial obligations and receivables, directly impacting cash flow and operational efficiency. It also enhances transparency in financial dealings, reduces the chances of errors or disputes, and builds trust between the government and its partners.

SADAD Code in Saudi Banks

To complete government payments via the "SADAD" service in Saudi banks (whether through electronic banking services or ATMs), the "Biller Code" and the transaction's "Reference Number" are used. The Biller Code for the Ministry of Finance, to which Etimad Platform belongs, is 088. This number is the basis for all payments related to Ministry of Finance services, including fees related to Etimad Platform. Reliance on "SADAD" and the specific Biller Code for the Ministry of Finance highlights the deep integration of Etimad Platform with the national payment infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. This integration ensures the security and reliability of financial transactions on Etimad Platform, as it operates within the established and trusted framework of Saudi banking systems.

SADAD Biller Codes for Related Government Entities

(Note: This is a partial list of examples of key government entities and is not exhaustive of all SADAD codes. It is advisable to verify the specific Biller Code for each invoice before payment.)

Obtaining a Bank Guarantee

The service for issuing bank guarantees electronically is now available through Etimad Platform, making it easier for establishments to obtain the required guarantees for government tenders.

The steps for issuing a bank guarantee involve logging into Etimad Platform, then accessing the "Bank Guarantees Management" service. After that, select the type of guarantee to be issued (preliminary guarantee for a tender or final guarantee after awarding), then click on "Request New Bank Guarantee Issuance." The necessary bank guarantee data must be filled in, and the name of the issuing bank must be selected. The concerned bank receives the request electronically and issues the bank guarantee, and Etimad Platform automatically links the issued bank guarantee to the government tender, eliminating the need for submitting paper documents.

Integration with Other Government Platforms

Etimad Platform demonstrates a strategic direction towards integration with other government platforms, aiming to build an interconnected digital ecosystem that enhances efficiency and transparency in transactions.

Link Between Etimad and Madad Platform

Madad Platform is a system focused on payroll management and compliance with the Wage Protection System in the private sector, in addition to documenting employee contracts. Although no direct and detailed link between "Etimad" and "Madad" is mentioned in the available information, some data indicates that "Qiwa" Platform is the approved platform for documenting and approving employment contracts for Saudis and non-Saudis, and work is underway to gradually transfer all documented contracts from GOSI and Madad to Qiwa. This suggests that "Qiwa" is the main integration point for contracts and employment. Since Etimad Platform deals with government employee rights (submitting payrolls and linking them to payment orders), it is possible that there is indirect integration or data exchange to ensure compliance of government contracting entities with labor and payroll regulations, especially since Etimad Platform aims to unify procedures and raise operational efficiency.

Link Between Etimad and Qiwa Platform

Qiwa Platform is the official and approved platform by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for documenting and approving employment contracts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There is no direct and detailed technical link between "Etimad" and "Qiwa" in the provided research. However, given that "Etimad" manages government contracts and government employee rights, while "Qiwa" manages private sector employment contracts, it is logical for there to be data-level integration to ensure compliance with labor regulations and transparency in company contracts with the government. Etimad Platform has a "Developer Portal" that allows linking external systems via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This opens the door for future or indirect integration with other platforms like Qiwa to exchange necessary data for verifying company compliance.

Link Between Etimad and Muqeem Platform

Muqeem Platform is a system specialized in managing expatriate affairs in the Kingdom, including residency and visa data. There is no direct and detailed link mentioned between "Etimad" and "Muqeem" in the provided research. Information indicates that "Muqeem" is linked to other platforms such as "Jisr" for human resource management. However, since "Etimad" deals with government employee data and adds supplier files (which may include foreign suppliers or companies employing expatriates), it is likely that there is indirect integration or necessary data exchange with "Muqeem" for the purpose of verifying expatriate identities or residency status when dealing with government contracts or financial claims. This integration ensures compliance with residency and labor regulations.

Overview of Technical Integration (API)

The "Developer Portal" on Etimad Platform is clear evidence of the platform's direction towards broad technical integration. This portal allows developers and external entities to directly link their systems with Etimad data via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This integration aims to increase business efficiency and enables querying government contract data, enhancing transparency and facilitating information exchange between different systems.

This API-driven approach indicates a broader government strategy to create an interconnected digital ecosystem, where different government platforms can exchange data securely and automatically, even if not all direct links are fully detailed in the currently available information. The existence of a Developer Portal with strong API capabilities, and the comprehensive government direction towards digital transformation, strongly indicate ongoing strategic efforts to build a comprehensive and interconnected digital government ecosystem. This means that even if direct technical integrations are not fully transparent to the end-user, there is a strategic intent for seamless data flow and interoperability across these vital government platforms.

The mandatory commercial registration requirement for Etimad Platform and the central role of Qiwa Platform in contract documentation highlight a system designed for strict data verification and compliance enforcement. If a company submits a bid through Etimad Platform, its legal status and compliance with labor regulations (managed by Qiwa/Madad) would logically require verification by the government entity awarding the contract.

Role and Services of Mutaddid Limited Company in Assisting Investors

Based on the available research materials, there is no specific or detailed information about a company named "Mutaddid Limited Company" providing assistance services to investors specifically in the context of dealing with Etimad Platform.

Sources containing the word "Mutaddid" refer to different aspects not related to a consulting company of this name:

• One source discusses the "CFI Multi-Asset Platform," which is a financial trading platform.

• Another source mentions "Sparco Technologies Arabia Limited, Category (C)," which is a different company.

• Some snippets describe "Etimad Platform" itself as offering "multiple" services to the private sector or mention "institutional strength and entrepreneurial flexibility of multi-company, multi-activity" as a general characteristic of the platform, indicating the comprehensive nature of the platform itself, not an external company.

Therefore, the report cannot provide details about the role or services of a specific company by this name in assisting investors on Etimad Platform based on the provided data.

Tenders and Direct Contracts

Tenders

Government tenders are an essential part of Etimad Platform's operations, managed electronically to ensure transparency and efficiency. From the government entities' side, the process includes issuing tenders, evaluating bids, and electronic awarding. The private sector can view available tenders, receive invitations, purchase tender documents, and submit technical and financial bids electronically. Technical and financial bids are evaluated according to specific criteria in the tender documents, and in some cases, the technical bid may be evaluated separately before moving to the financial bid.

Direct Contracts

Etimad Platform facilitates the registration of new contracts and the management of assignments in an automated manner. This service aims to enable government entities to register new project contracts by entering contract data and automating the entire approval process through the system, using electronic signatures.

For suppliers, the platform allows them to review the contract before approval, with the option to approve, reject, or resubmit for amendment. The contract registration process includes entering basic contract or assignment data, linking the award to the contract through the tender's reference number, and defining the financial payment plan. The request is sent for approval within the government entity's approval chain, including review and approval by the registered supplier. If approved, the request is sent for approval by the Vision Realization Office (if the contract meets the required approval conditions from that office), then sent for approval by the Ministry of Finance (if the contract meets the required approval conditions from the Ministry of Finance). Ministry of Finance approval is required if the contract value is 5 million Saudi Riyals or more, or the contract duration is 12 months or more. Approval by the government entity's Vision Realization Office is required if the contract value is 20 million Riyals or more, and the contract duration is 12 months or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Etimad Platform provides a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to clarify many common inquiries about using the platform and its services. Among the most prominent of these questions are:

• What is Etimad Platform? It is an electronic platform affiliated with the Ministry of Finance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia used to manage government procurements electronically, including supplier registration, bid submission, envelope opening, contract signing, and issuing purchase and payment orders.

• What are the most important registration requirements? These include having an active commercial registration, obtaining a financial record from the Ministry of Finance, authenticating the account through the Central Bank (SADAD), and uploading required documents such as tax registration and Zakat certificate.

• What types of tenders are announced through the platform? These include: public tenders, limited tenders, electronic practices, framework agreements, pre-qualification, and direct invitations.

• What is the difference between a technical bid and a financial bid? The technical bid explains how the project will be executed (methodology, timeline, staff, equipment), while the financial bid includes detailed prices for items and services. Both bids must be submitted together in the approved format, and in some tenders, the technical bid is evaluated first separately.

• What is the accepted format for uploading files? Typically, compressed PDF files in ZIP format are accepted, and the entity may request a specific format in the tender documents.

• How to get support and assistance? You can contact the Etimad Unified Service Center via the unified number 19990, or email (ecare@etimad.sa), or social media channels, or live chat, in addition to sign language support. A guidance portal and smartphone applications are also available.

Conclusion

Etimad Platform embodies a qualitative transformation in government transaction management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is a fundamental pillar in the efforts to achieve Vision 2030. By providing a comprehensive digital environment for budget management, procurement, contracts, and payments, the platform has succeeded in enhancing transparency, raising spending efficiency, and standardizing procedures, which has contributed to accelerating the completion of financial transactions.

The platform's focus on integrating modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (Etimad GPT) and the Developer Portal, which allows linking via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), reflects a firm commitment to innovation and building an integrated and interconnected digital ecosystem. This approach is not limited to automating processes but aims to empower government entities, the private sector, and individuals to interact more efficiently and effectively within an advanced digital governance framework.

The ability to support different account types, including establishments without a commercial registration in some cases, highlights the platform's flexibility and its keenness to expand the base of participation in government tenders, supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises and local content. Furthermore, integration with national payment systems (SADAD) and electronic bank guarantee services enhances the smoothness of financial operations and reduces bureaucratic burdens.

Overall, Etimad Platform represents a leading model for digital governance and effectively contributes to building a prosperous and diversified digital economy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with expectations for its continued development and expansion of services in the future.