Open Government Data

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Kingdom of Bahrain recognizes that data is more than just an asset; it is a transformative force that underpins innovation, economic development, and societal advancement. The Open Government Data initiative is at the core of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to transparent governance and effective citizen engagement. Through this initiative, Bahrain aims to position itself as a leader in data-driven development, empowering citizens, businesses, and institutions alike.

The Open Data Portal: Accessibility and Empowerment

At the heart of this transformation is the Open Data Portal, which embodies the principles of open governance by making a wide range of government data freely available to all. This platform eliminates technical, financial, and legal barriers, ensuring that anyone can access, use, reuse, and republish government data, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes, in accordance with Bahrain’s comprehensive Open Data Policy.

Key objectives of the Open Data Portal include:

• Promoting Transparency: By providing public access to accurate and up-to-date datasets, Bahrain empowers stakeholders to monitor and evaluate government performance, fostering an environment of trust and accountability.
• Fostering Innovation: Open data serves as a foundation for research, the development of smart applications, and the creation of advanced analytics that address national and sectoral challenges.
• Supporting Decision-Making: Accessible government data informs effective policies, sound business decisions, and evidence-based research.
• Encouraging Collaboration: The portal bridges the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society, creating opportunities for joint projects and knowledge exchange.

Bahrain’s Open Data Portal: A Gateway to Knowledge

Since its launch in 2013, the Bahrain Open Data Portal (data.gov.bh) has provided a unified gateway to government data from over 35 entities, hosting more than 390 datasets and over 2 million records. Users—including students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses can easily browse, analyze, and download information in multiple formats. The portal covers a diverse array of sectors such as:

• Population and Demographics
• Geographic Information
• Health and Education
• Economy, Banking, and Finance
• Environment and Energy
• Transportation, Works, and Telecommunications

Advanced data analysis tools embedded within the portal further enable users to gain meaningful insights and drive effective solutions for both the public and private sectors.

Bahrain Government Open Data License

The Bahrain Government Open Data License (Version 1.0) outlines the terms for using official government datasets published on Bahrain Open Data Portal. It highlights key terms and guidelines on the free use, sharing, adaptation, and commercialization, with proper attribution and ethical usage. The license excludes personal or classified data and disclaims government liability. It highlights compliance with Bahrain's laws and governance rules of usage rights upon violation of terms.

Driving Digital Innovation: Hackathons and Developer Challenges

Open data has become a catalyst for innovation in Bahrain. The government regularly supports collaborative hackathons and competitions that encourage developers, students, and entrepreneurs to create digital solutions leveraging open datasets.

These public participatory initiatives foster a culture of collaboration, problem-solving, creativity, and inclusiveness, aligning with Bahrain’s broader objectives for digital transformation and sustainable development.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Bahrain’s Open Government Data initiative directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The initiative plays a pivotal role in building effective institutions, promoting inclusivity, and strengthening international partnerships.

Recent Achievements and Updates

Bahrain’s commitment to open data and transparency has been recognized regionally and internationally. Recent highlights include:

• The Bahrain Open Data Portal win Best Open Data Initiative at the 5th GCC Digital Government Award.
• Launch of the National Summary Data Page (NSDP) for unified financial, economic, and demographic data.
• Hosting the 9th SDMX Global Conference with participation from over 500 experts across 107 countries.