Geographic Information Systems

How is the Kingdom of Bahrain using its spatial data infrastructure for informed decision-making?

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the Kingdom of Bahrain stands at the forefront of harnessing geographic information for national progress. The continuous development of the Bahrain Spatial Data Infrastructure (BSDI) Portal and its supporting digital systems demonstrates a strategic commitment to building a data-driven nation. By providing accurate, real-time geographic information tailored to Bahrain’s context, this initiative supports not only high-level decision-makers but also accelerates growth across the public and private sectors. The BSDI Portal serves as an essential enabler, empowering organizations, government entities, and citizens with the knowledge to plan, coordinate, and innovate for a better future.

A Dynamic and Comprehensive Data Hub

The BSDI database now comprises over 300 infrastructure map layers, accessible around the clock by more than 30 public and private organizations. This robust platform enables faster decision-making, enhances service delivery, simplifies transactional processes for citizens, and streamlines national planning. By optimizing land and resource use and fostering greater coordination between government and non-government stakeholders, the BSDI Portal directly supports Bahrain’s economic objectives and sustainable development strategies. These outcomes reinforce the nation’s vision to become a model for smart, sustainable societies.

Modern Platforms for Efficient Services

• Tasareeh is an innovative electronic platform that manages the full spectrum of permit issuance for infrastructure projects, expediting coordination among service providers and automating the internal distribution of requests. Tasareeh ensures that the required data is immediately available, significantly accelerating decision-making and minimizing reliance on other external systems.
• Building Permit Portal (Benayat): Benayat is the Kingdom’s unified system for construction permits, spanning investment, residential, industrial, commercial, and other projects. Integrated with more than 90 relevant government regulators, Benayat has transformed the permit process from several months to just five days through a single window solution. Complementing this, the Bahrain Interactive Map provides instant access to building requirements for each property or plot, giving users clarity and confidence to plan and develop.
• Planning Portal: The planning portal streamlines urban planning services, improving service quality, reducing timeframes, and simplifying procedures. It is designed to strengthen private sector involvement and partnership in urban development. The Planning Portal covers land subdivision, rezoning, freeze parcel removal, plot boundary management, and more, ensuring an efficient, transparent planning process that fosters Bahrain’s continued urban growth.
• Bahrain Explorer: Developed by the Geographic Information Systems Directorate at the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), Bahrain Explorer offers comprehensive mapping, location information, and commercial road data using advanced GIS technology. This platform is an invaluable resource for both citizens and businesses seeking location-based insights to support their activities.

Expanding Capabilities through Innovation

Recent advances include the Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB)’s new property location feature, integrating Google Maps for seamless property identification. This enhancement reflects Bahrain’s focus on user-friendly solutions and supports efficient land management practices.