Bahrain has reached an 89% digital transformation rate, completing over 4 million transactions across all eGovernment channels, according to the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA).
Highlighting significant progress in the first half of 2024, iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Al Qaed credited these achievements to the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He also acknowledged the oversight of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT).
Key indicators of Bahrain’s digital transformation include the expansion of eServices to over 700, increasing digital service provision to 89%, reducing government costs by 75%, and cutting transaction times by 68%. Total electronic transactions via the National Portal, mobile apps, and other channels reached 4 million, with digital payments exceeding BD374 million in the first half of 2024. Mobile app transactions rose by 20% to 691,000, with a 14% increase in payment transactions amounting to BD32 million.
Notable app usage included significant increases for the AlTajer and eShabab apps. The iGA also launched 35 new eServices, such as QR code-enabled ID card printing and death certificate services. Additionally, the Industry and Commerce Ministry introduced services like video call consultations and digital business advisories.
The iGA rolled out 12 national systems, including updates to the Death Registration system and the Building Permit Portal (Benayat). Key achievements included the launch of Sijilat 3.0, enhancements to the National Suggestion and Complaint System (Tawasul), and the implementation of an interactive electronic meeting system for major summits.
The authority reviewed approximately 950 IT purchase requests and 100 strategic IT projects, valued at over BD36 million and BD34 million respectively. A data backup project using Microsoft 365 was implemented for 44 government entities, supporting over 709 daily backups.
The advanced eKey system, with approximately 768,000 registered users, saw over 14 million logins in the first half of the year. Further developments included linking 20 entities to a data lake and launching the Aqari real estate information platform.
Mr. Al Qaed emphasized that these advancements reflect iGA’s commitment to Bahrain’s digital transformation and improving service quality across all sectors of society.
