The National Digital Economy Strategy (NDES) Steering Committee held its fourth meeting in Manama, chaired by Mohammed Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA). The meeting brought together representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office and key ministries, including finance, industry, education, the Economic Development Board, and Tamkeen, to assess progress on initiatives driving Bahrain’s digital transformation.
The committee reviewed the status of multiple initiatives under the NDES, noting that seven have already been completed while others are facing implementation challenges. Members emphasized the importance of meeting approved timelines and ensuring that each initiative delivers its intended strategic outcomes, in line with directives from the Kingdom’s senior leadership and the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology.
Al Qaed highlighted the need for stronger coordination among implementing entities, alongside the adoption of advanced technologies and robust digital governance standards. He noted that these measures are essential to improving government service efficiency and maximizing the economic and social impact of digital transformation.
The first phase of the strategy has delivered several milestones, including the establishment of the Innovation and Advanced Technologies Directorate at iGA, an increase in STEM scholarships to more than 84 percent in the 2023–2024 academic year, and the alignment of the national cybersecurity strategy with digital economy objectives. These achievements form part of a broader roadmap of 49 initiatives planned through 2030 to strengthen Bahrain’s competitiveness as a regional and global digital economy hub.
