Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bahrain ranked 15th globally and second regionally in the World Bank’s 2025 GovTech Maturity Index, achieving a “very high digital maturity” score of 93.6 percent. The results highlight strong eGovernment performance, citizen engagement, and advanced digital infrastructure supporting national development goals.
Bahrain has approved Satellite Direct-to-Device services, becoming the first GCC country to allow smartphones to connect directly to LEO satellites. The move aims to eliminate coverage gaps across land and sea, strengthen digital resilience, and reinforce Bahrain’s position as a regional connectivity leader.
Bahrain’s agreement with SandboxAQ marks a national rollout of quantum-safe cybersecurity across government ministries. Using AI-driven tools, the initiative aims to protect sensitive data from future quantum threats while strengthening digital resilience and local cybersecurity capabilities.
Bahrain has partnered with Alphabet spin-out SandboxAQ to deploy AI-based cybersecurity tools across more than 60 government ministries. Using the AQtive Guard platform, the initiative aims to strengthen encryption monitoring and address long-term risks such as quantum computing, highlighting growing government focus on proactive, AI-driven cyber defence.
Bahrain chaired the 15th GCC Smart Card Steering Committee meeting in Riyadh, focusing on unified digital identity standards, smart card integration, and regional cooperation. The discussions reinforced GCC efforts to enhance digital services, harmonise technology frameworks, and build a more connected and sustainable digital future for citizens.
BIBF has launched a flexible e-learning programme on sustainable development to strengthen ESG and SDG awareness across Bahrain’s workforce and student community. The initiative supports economic diversification, green-economy readiness, and carbon-neutral ambitions by combining interactive learning, case studies, expert insights, and practical tools for real-world application.
Bahrain’s Digital Economy Steering Committee reviewed progress on the National Digital Economy Strategy, highlighting completed initiatives, improved coordination, and strong gains in innovation, STEM education, and cybersecurity. The strategy is reinforcing digital governance and service efficiency while strengthening Bahrain’s position as a competitive digital economy.
Ericsson and Zain Bahrain have expanded their partnership to deploy advanced 5G Edge solutions, enhancing network performance with ultra-low latency and resilient connectivity. The initiative will support Industry 4.0 use cases, AI-driven applications, and enterprise digital transformation, reinforcing Bahrain’s ambitions for a future-ready digital economy.
Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister emphasized the telecom and ICT sector as a cornerstone of economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Highlighting Bahrain’s use of modern technologies, he also praised the strong Saudi-Bahraini partnership, noting its continued role in advancing regional cooperation, digital development, and long-term economic progress.
Bahrain’s telecommunications regulator has authorised satellite direct-to-device services, allowing standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites beyond terrestrial coverage. While commercial services are not yet live, the move positions Bahrain as a regional first and lays the groundwork for pilot deployments, emergency connectivity, and wider satellite-based communications.