Fostering Innovation for Tomorrow: Bahrain's Path to Emerging Technologies
Digital transformation is at the core of the Kingdom of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, a forward-thinking national development plan that prioritizes sustainability, competitiveness, and fairness. The Government's Digital Government Strategy 2022 underscores its dedication to leveraging emerging technologies for the betterment of citizens and residents, aiming to enhance their quality of life.
Bahrain has embraced a diverse array of emerging technologies, positioning itself as a regional trailblazer in this transformative journey. Through comprehensive reforms and strategic support for technology-driven businesses, the government has not only empowered these Information and Communications Technology (ICT) enterprises but also assumed a crucial regulatory role. The outcomes have been remarkable, with Bahrain experiencing robust economic growth, job creation, and human development, ultimately improving the lives of its citizens.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has liberalized its telecom sector, leading to a profound shift in the nation's economic landscape. Today, Bahrain boasts a well-established Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure that garners recognition throughout the region.
The Kingdom's achievements are underscored by its top-ranking position in the Arab region on the ICT Development Index (IDI) 2023, as per the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report. Additionally, Bahrain stands as the 4th global leader in the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII) according to the United Nations eGovernment Development Index.
Presently, Bahrain continues its upward trajectory, embracing modern technologies and harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance government services. These advancements have played a pivotal role in ensuring business continuity across the public sector, including the judicial sphere, where streamlined procedures have facilitated operations.
Bahrain took pioneer steps in adopting Cloud Computing in the public sector and Cloud has proved to be a game-changer for Bahrain’s economy as per IDC report 2023. As the first country in the Middle East and Africa region to adopt a nationwide Cloud-First policy in 2017, Bahrain compels government entities to adopt cloud environments in place of on-premises infrastructure. This has led to an increased uptake of public cloud services across public and private sector organizations of all sizes. Bahrain is also the 1st in the region to implement multi-cloud and hybrid cloud systems in the government sector.
Innovation and emerging technology roadmap is institutionalized in Bahrain by creating a dedicated Directorate under the Information & eGovernment Authority called “Innovation & Advanced Technologies”. This Directorate overarchs the adoption of innovation strategies in the public sector and steers the roadmap of emerging technologies implementation that optimize the public service delivery.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has not only championed emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, and big data analytics but has also applied them effectively in various sectors. The Kingdom's commitment to modernization is evident in initiatives such as the Bahrain International Conference for Artificial Intelligence in the Judiciary, which showcases its dedication to incorporating modern technologies in the legal sector, particularly in Courts and Cases Services.
During the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bahrain's education sector seamlessly transitioned to remote learning through the cloud-based educational gateway called EDUNET. Moreover, the BeAware Bahrain app, developed in-house by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), emerged as a national success story. The app effectively utilizing AI and Big Data Analytics to identify suspected cases and control the spread of the virus. Its swift launch significantly contributed to the country's efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus and the overall impact of the pandemic.
Furthermore, Bahrain took pioneering steps in the field of genetics by launching the National Genome Center and Genome Program in 2019. This initiative aimed to collect 50,000 samples from citizens to draw Bahrain’s genetic map by creating a comprehensive database that contributes to monitoring and preventing genetic diseases.
In addition to advancements in healthcare and education, Bahrain has also made notable strides in leveraging technology for environmental sustainability and agricultural development. One initiative involves the utilization of big data technology on the Bahrain Open Data platform to extract information, facilitating data-driven decision-making processes across various sectors. Furthermore, artificial intelligence technology has been employed in monitoring palm trees, enabling researchers and investors in the Kingdom to develop plans in the field of food security.
These achievements are a testament to Bahrain's commitment to harnessing technology for the betterment of its citizens and the continued growth of its society, exemplifying its position as a forward-thinking nation dedicated to innovation and advancement.
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As we navigate through the digital age, Bahrain confirms its commitment to transparency and innovation through the Open Data initiative through Bahrain’s Open Data Portal. This platform is a testament to our dedication to making government data openly available, supporting the principles of accountability and enabling informed decision-making. By providing access to a treasure trove of data, we empower everyone to explore, analyze, and create solutions that drive social and economic progress. The initiative underscores our belief in the power of data to transform lives, foster a culture of knowledge-sharing, and stimulate growth.
We encourage you to leverage this valuable resource, sparking innovation and contributing to the Kingdom’s development. For an enriching journey into the world of Open Data, and to explore the possibilities, visit Bahrain’s Open Data Portal.
Together, let's embrace the opportunity to contribute to Bahrain's digital evolution and ensure that our journey towards national development is a shared endeavor.
As part of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s unwavering commitment to fostering digital participation, you are invited to explore the available participation topics. Your engagement and contributions are crucial in shaping the digital landscape of the Kingdom of Bahrain, reflecting our collective vision for a future built on the principles of innovation, inclusivity, and progress. Explore more on how you can actively participate in discussions, share your insights, and collaborate on initiatives that are at the heart of our nation's growth.
For a broader exploration of topics and to join the conversation, please visit eParticipation.
Content Last Updated: 30 Jul, 2024
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