Digital Inclusion

The Kingdom of Bahrain has demonstrated steadfast leadership in promoting digital inclusion, setting a benchmark for the region and beyond. Through well-defined strategies and innovative programs, Bahrain is committed to ensuring that digital access and literacy reach every individual, irrespective of background, age, gender, or social status. The government recognizes digital inclusion not merely as technological connectivity, but as an essential pillar of social and economic development and a fundamental human right. 

Bahrain’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion

Bahrain’s approach is guided by the vision to integrate digital technology into all aspects of daily life. The government is dedicated to completing the country’s journey towards comprehensive digital transformation, ensuring that digital opportunities are universally accessible. The principle of inclusivity is deeply embedded in the national policy, reflecting Bahrain’s belief that every citizen and resident should benefit from digital progress.

Digital inclusion in Bahrain is not only about connecting individuals to technology; it is about ensuring that all services are affordable, user-centric, and relevant to the broad spectrum of society. In aligning with international best practices and SDGs, Bahrain is working to ensure that the advantages of the digital era are shared equitably across the nation, contributing to a cohesive, empowered, and future-ready society.

Strategic Focus Areas

1. Public Service Redesign and Digital Infrastructure

The Government of Bahrain continues to transform public services under the Digital First principle. This approach streamlines user experiences by deploying advanced digital technologies that serve all community members efficiently. Key initiatives include:

• Sijilat (One-stop-shop Business Licensing Portal): A unified platform facilitating business registration and licensing.
• National Taxation System: Leveraging cloud technology to ensure efficient and secure service delivery.

These services are designed to be accessible, responsive, and adaptable to the evolving needs of citizens, residents, and businesses.

2. Digital Government Strategy 2022

The Digital Government Strategy 2022 charts the nation’s pathway to full-scale digital transformation. It emphasizes:

• Strengthening digital infrastructure,
• Fostering a vibrant digital economy,
• Enforcing robust data protection and cybersecurity policies,
• Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship,
• Promoting transparency through open data and active eParticipation.

This strategy reinforces Bahrain’s commitment to safe, reliable, and innovative digital services for all.

3. Nationwide Digital Identity Initiatives

Central to digital transformation is the advancement of digital identity solutions, with a holistic focus on people, processes, technology, and governance. The National Enterprise Architecture Framework (NEA) and the National Gateway Infrastructure exemplify Bahrain’s efforts to integrate government systems and enhance public service delivery.

4. Data Management and Cybersecurity

Bahrain ensures data is managed with the utmost integrity and security, respecting individual rights. The Personal Data Protection Law and the establishment of the Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA) establish a robust legal and regulatory environment. The National Centre for Cyber Security further strengthens Bahrain’s resilience against cyber threats and ensures public trust in digital services.

5. Fostering a Digital Economy

Through its comprehensive Digital Economy Strategy, Bahrain is actively diversifying the national economy, cultivating value-added digital products and services. The strategy is focused on building robust digital ecosystems and capacities, enabling adaptation to global trends, and supporting the growth of innovative sectors.

6. Open Data and eParticipation

Bahrain’s Open Data Portal and eParticipation tools are vital instruments in enhancing transparency, civic engagement, and accountability. These platforms empower citizens, businesses, and organizations to access, analyze, and leverage public data, supporting informed decision-making and fostering an environment of trust and innovation.

Telecommunications Achievements in Bahrain

• Cloud-First Policy: Bahrain is the first country in the Gulf to implement a nationwide cloud-first policy.
• Global Digital Literacy Leader: Ranked 1st worldwide in digital literacy according to the 2021 Inclusive Internet Index.
• Network Infrastructure Excellence: Achieved the top global position for network infrastructure and Internet users in the 2021 Inclusive Internet Index.
• Digital Cooperation Organization: As a founding member, Bahrain is driving digital collaboration and addressing global challenges.
• International Telecommunications Union (ITU): Bahrain joined the ITU Council in 2022, making ten strategic pledges as part of the ITU Partner to Connect Global Coalition.
• 5G Nationwide Rollout: Bahrain is among the first countries globally to implement 5G nationwide, with download speeds exceeding 2Gbps (2020).

Your Business, One Dashboard: Unified Digital SME Profile

The government has launched an electronic platform to support startups and SMEs, enhancing skills in financing, market access, and opportunity exploitation by centralizing services from various authorities.

• SMEs Online Registration System (Launched April 2019)
  MOIC 2019 PDF – “SMEs Online Registration System – About the System”

This electronic system, introduced at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2019, enables classification and certification of SMEs, granting benefits such as:

• Government procurement preferences (20%),
• Tender bid advantages (10%),
• Inclusion in the national SME database,
• Real-time alert notifications.
  • Additional SME Tools:
    • SMEs Registration System eservice enables application, tracking, and renewal of certificates via eKey.
    • Strategic digital support tools, including Sijilat 2.0 (commercial record management), Tijara (digital lending), advisory frameworks, and a crowdfunding hub.

These initiatives empower SMEs to drive economic diversification, digital growth, and sustainable job creation.